Thom Pain (Based on Nothing)

Thom Pain

(Based on Nothing)

Signature Theatre

The Pershing Square Signature Center

November 3, 2018

Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

The subtleties are astounding in Will Eno’s Thom Pain (Based on Nothing).  This play tells a captivating tale of loss of innocence, finding love, losing love, and maintaining hope.  Mr. Eno plays with words in this seventy-minute, one-character play that vividly depict the dichotomy of life’s journey.  His use of language brilliantly paints the landscape of emotion that floods the turning point events that define a life.  Director Oliver Butler seamlessly connects moment to moment, pulling truth to the surface of this distinctive theatrical work that is rich in subtext.

Michael C. Hall as Thom Pain
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Michael C Hall plays Thom Pain.  He starts out in the dark, trying to light a cigarette, telling the audience he is not ready to be seen in the light.  The lights abruptly come on.  He proceeds to tell the story of a young boy, innocent and playful, whose beloved pet dog is killed.  He separates himself from the emotion of the event, then goes on to tell of the loss of a woman he loved.  When he travels back to tell more of the story of the dog, we realize he is the young boy in the story.  He then tells of how he met her, the woman he loved and lost.  We understand the pain of his loss by the way he works to avoid addressing it, yet he cannot help embodying the person he has become because of it. 

Michael C. Hall, Will Eno, & Oliver Butler
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Mr. Hall talks directly to the audience, making direct eye contact with a number of individuals.  He maintains composure and distance, while engaging the packed house on an emotional level.  He evokes a sense of empathy from the audience.  Mr. Eno’s words, which are often intentional juxtaposed to the specific emotion he is encompassing, flow smoothly and resonate deeply from Mr. Hall.  He is direct and clear, while being aloof and subtle.  It is a masterful and genuine performance, ringing with truth and style.

The Signature Theatre production of Will Eno’s Thom Pain (Based on Nothing) is running at the Pershing Square Signature Center through December 2.  This play is a unique and intimate experience that will speak exclusively to each person who sees and hears it.  Don’t miss it! 

Domenick Danza

Night is a Room

Night is a Room

Signature Theatre

The Pershing Square Signature Center

November 14, 2015

Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Naomi Wallace’s new play, Night is a Room, is thought provoking and emotionally riveting.  Ms. Wallace delves deeply into every aspect of the Oedipus complex and brings her audience to a visceral understanding of the emotional needs that drive her characters to make choices that are shocking and disturbing.  They dive head first into life changing decisions from which there is no return.  Part of you screams for them to stop, while another part of you knows they cannot.

Playwright Naomi Wallace
Photo courtesy of
American Theatre Magazine

As a surprise for his fortieth birthday, Liana (played by Dagmara Dominczyk) tracks down her husband Marcus’ birth mother, Dore (played by Ann Dowd).  After a few private meetings, Dore informs Liana that Marcus (played by Bill Heck) is leaving her.  He explains GSA (Genetic Sexual Attraction) to Liana and that sexual attraction between reunited parents and children is common.  The shock and taboo of this subject is intensely explored as Ms. Wallace allows all three characters to articulate and share their feeling in order to understand it themselves.  The three actors are honest, raw, and amazing.  The scene at the end of the second act between Dore and Liana puts them face to face six years later.  The two actors (Dagmar Dominczyk and Ann Dowd) skillfully and truthfully make the most heinous events of the story their reality so that you gain empathy for both of their needs and flaws.

Director Bill Rauch makes the most of every image and nuance of Ms. Wallace’s writing.  The subtlety of a broken heel, a maple tree, and a jingle bell inside a balloon are a few small details that reappear and grow to become windows into the world of the play and the souls of the characters.  Rachel Hauck’s scenic design is also filled with overlapping and recurring images (the wooden fence, the step ladder, the plastered walls) that make you see the strength and frailty of the character’s emotions.  The subtle sound design by Leah Gelpe is powerful.  The intensity of the sound of the rain and the constant echo in the second act make you feel the emptiness the characters are experiencing.

Night is a Room is extended through December 20 at the Pershing Square Signature Center.  Ms. Wallace’s no holds barred dialogue and disturbing plot line make this a play a not-to-be-missed event.  Prepare yourself and go see it.

Ann Dowd in Night is a Room
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

On a Personal Note:  When the lights came up at the start of the first act, I recognized Ann Dowd, the actress playing Dore, from one of my favorite episodes of “Law and Order.”  I am an avid fan and have a number of favorite episodes, especially the ones with Jerry Orbach.  I was not sure if it was her until she spoke her first line.  The sound of her voice is unique and memorable.  At the end of the show I needed to sit in the lobby to collect my thoughts.  The disturbing subject matter was a lot to process.  When I got up to leave, Ms. Dowd was standing in front of me.  I shook her hand and told her how truly amazing I thought she was and that I recognized her from her TV appearances.  She introduced herself and asked, “Do you believe how the play progresses from where it begins?”  I was still relatively speechless from experiencing the play, but managed to get out a few coherent phrases.  I asked her if I could hug her.  She said, “Yes, after that (the performance), I need one too.”  That brief encounter with Ms. Dowd gave me a greater understanding of not only the complexity of play, but the level of emotional commitment required for an actor to deliver a powerful and cathartic experience for their audience.

Domenick Danza

Steve

Steve

The New Group

The Pershing Square Signature Center

November 7, 2015

Photo courtesy of The New Group

The New Group’s production of  Steve, the new play by Mark Gerrard, is now running at The Pershing Square Signature Center.  The play is a witty and honest look at the transformation of values of a group of friends as they move past middle age and into the next phase of their lives with a renewed sense of themselves.

Steven, Carrie, and Matt have been best friends since they were singing waiters and aspiring Broadway performer in their youth.  At Steven’s forty-seventh birthday dinner, he discovers that Stephen, his partner of fifteen years, has been sexting Brian, Matt’s boyfriend.  Facing the truth of his betrayal is difficult since Stephen and Steven have an eight year old son to think about, and are grappling with Carrie’s battle with cancer.  All the characters are forced to face the reality of growing older while they hold onto their idealistic and carefree musical theatre piano bar youth. 

The cast of Steve
Photo courtesy of The New Group

Under the direction of Cynthia Nixon, the cast is a strong ensemble.  She has given the actors the creative space to develop true and honest relationships. Matt McGrath, as Steven, unearths the fears that come when you realize life is not turning out as planned.  Malcolm Gets, as his partner Stephen, realistically portrays how certainty can turns into insecurity in a mere moment.  Ashlie Atkinson, as Carries, is biting, funny, cold and heartwarming… all at the same time.  Mario Cantone, as Matt, and Jerry Dixon, as Brian, have high energy and great chemistry which keep the action building.  The bond of friendships between the five characters is viscerally understood through their timing.  It is impeccable, warm, and comfortable.

Playwright Mark Gerrard and Director Cynthia Nixon
Photo courtesy of The New Group

Playwright Mark Gerrard has created five real characters that are facing their present challenges and fears and asking questions about their futures.  His musical theatre quotes and snarky pokes not only serve as comic relief, but more importantly, are reminiscent, tender, and caring moments between good friends.  The play is structured with musical theatre songs that emotionally and physically transition scenes as well as effectively frame the action.  These are the details that illustrate Mr. Gerrard’s extreme skill and unique style.  It is great writing!

If you spent your younger days in a piano bar dreaming of being a chorus boy on Broadway and hoping to meet the love of your life, go see this show.  If you are facing the reality of turning fifty, which may include some level of disappointment in your achievements, go see this show.  No matter who you are, go see this show!  It will remind you to keep your sense of humor while moving through the uncertainties of life.

  

Domenick Danza