Liberation

 Liberation
James Earl Jones Theatre
October 14, 2025

Photo courtesy of Liberation

After a successful Off-Broadway run last winter, Liberation has moved to the James Earl Jones Theatre on Broadway.  Playwright Bess Wohl has outdone herself with this play.  She crafted a brilliant exploration into what drives the desire to instigate change and generate lasting impact.  Her characters all speak from the heart, addressing large social and political issues from intimate and personal perspectives.  Director Whitney White skillfully balances the voices, giving each character a platform to be heard.  The cast is phenomenal, creating moments of honest contact that nudges the audience into deep introspection. 

Lizzie (played by Susannah Flood) wants to tell the story of her recently deceased mother who, in 1970, started a women’s liberation group while living in Ohio.  Lizzie has a few unanswered questions about that work and experience, so she looks through her mother’s notebooks.  This transports her to the meetings in the basement basketball court of the local rec center.  Lizzie steps into her mother’s shoes and meets Margie (played by Betsy Aidem), Dora (played by Audrey Corsa), Celeste (played by Kristolyn Lloyd), Isadora (played by Irene Sofia Lucio), and Susan (played by Adina Verson).  They all share their stories, challenges, and trepidations.  Lizzie’s questions are not fully answered, so she contacts the women from the group who are still living.  Lizzie does not stop probing, finally digging into her mother’s choice to marry her father, which is more than she can handle on her own. 

Susannah Flood & Betsy Aidem
Photo courtesy of Liberation

The character of Lizzie directly addresses the audience at various times throughout the play.  This
personally engages the audience, keeping them fully connected to the action as it goes back and forth in time.  Susannah Flood does a remarkable job with this.  She befriends the audience, making them a part of how she tells the story.  She is fully present, emotionally exposed, and highly amiable.  

Photo courtesy of Liberation

Each of the characters is distinctly drawn, and this cast embodies every element of these specific and strong personalities.  Betsy Aidem is phenomenal as Margie.  As her character grows, she does not shed her cynical edge.  Audrey Corsa portrays the emergence of her character Dora with grace and confidence.  She truly blossoms through her participation in the group.  Kristolyn Lloyd is stoic and grounded as Celeste.  She bravely faces her challenges, yet is highly vulnerable when she lets down her guard.  Irene Sofia Lucio creates a lustful and vibrant Isadora.  As transparent as she presents herself, she is continually full of surprises.  Adina Verson is solid and fiery as Susan.  Her subtext is vivid and clear.  There are also powerful performances by Kayla Davion and Charlie Thurston.

Photo courtesy of Liberation

Most of the action of the play takes place in the 1970s and focuses on the women’s liberation
movement.  It directly speaks to who we, as a society, have become since then.  Our successes and our disappointments.  The play makes the point that our participation has value.  Great value.  Everyday value.  This is an important play. 

Liberation is playing at the James Earl Jones Theatre.  You must experience it for yourself.    

Domenick Danza

The Last Five Years

 The Last Five Years
Hudson Theatre
May 17, 2025

Photo courtesy of The Last Five Years

The Last Five Years is a uniquely structured one-act musical.  It has a non-sequential storyline, which causes you to lean in and listen carefully.  It is all song, with very little dialogue.  The music and lyrics, by Jason Robert Brown, draw the audience in, immersing them in the emotional journey of the two main characters.  Director Whitney White allows the actors to delve deeply into the needs of their characters, giving them complete ownership of the trajectory and texture of the piece. 

Jamie (played by Nick Jonas), a young Jewish novelist, meets and falls in love with Cathy (played by Adrienne Warren), an aspiring actor/singer/dancer.  When we first meet them, Jamie is singing about the beginning of their relationship, while Cathy is lamenting about the end, five years later.  As the story progresses, we find out about the challenges in their relationship.  Jamie’s success quickly rises, while Cathy struggles to get noticed.  Their needs are different, yet their love is genuine. 

Adrienne Warren & Nick Jonas
Photo courtesy of The Last Five Years

The action goes back and forth between the two characters as they deliver solos that reveal their
emotional perspectives.  Nick Jonas is charismatic and debonair as Jamie.  His songs are delivered as monologues, layered with rich subtext.  Adrienne Warren is grounded and bold as Cathy.  Her voice is powerful, while her character grapples with insecurities.  This dichotomy gives her character a truthful, empathetic dimension.  The audience feels for her and identifies with her emotional journey. 

The chemistry between Mr. Jonas and Ms. Warren is vibrant.  Their relationship sizzles and solidifies when they sing together.  Their connection is honest, and their voices blend amazingly well. 

The Last Five Year is playing at the Hudson Theatre through June 22.  It is a ninety-minute emotional and personal journey with an absolutely beautiful score.  

Domenick Danza