Gnit

 Gnit
Theatre for a New Audience
Polonsky Shakespeare Center
November 6, 2021 

Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

Will Eno has taken Ibsen’s Peer Gynt and made it his own with Gnit, now playing downtown Brooklyn at Theatre for a NewAudience.  The quest for the self at the expense of everything is still the main action, yet the story is simpler, more concise.  His main character, Peter, is still the self-centered liar as Ibsen’s Peer, but in Gnit the quest is not fully realized.  Peter’s adventures do not land him in a secure and warm place, but leave him questioning, and presenting that question to the audience.

Joe Curnutte & Deborah Hedwall
Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

In the opening scene Peter’s mother (played by Deborah Hedwall) is waiting for his return.  She is sick and in need of his care.  When Peter (played by Joe Curnutte) finally returns, he is full of stories, and does not acknowledge his mother’s need.  He is off again when his mother tells that the woman he once loved is set to marry another man.  On the way to steal back the bride, he meets Solvay (played by Jasmine Batchelor), and falls in love.  The town sues Peter's mother for the disruption he causes at the wedding, leaving her with nothing.  Peter runs to the mountains and becomes entrapped by a woman (played by Christy Escobar) whose father (played by David Shih) promises him wealth and stability.  Peter escapes, returning to build a home for him and Solvay.  As soon as the house is complete, the woman from the mountains finds him.  With their child in her arms, she tries to lure him back.  Before fleeing, Peter visits his mother on her death bed.  He is present for her passing, but leaves before her burial. 

In Act II, Peter finds his fortune, then carelessly loses it.  He travels the world in search of himself, only to return to the home he built for himself and Solvay, too late to spend time with her.  She has passed, and Peter is left questioning the purpose of his journey. 

Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

Joe Curnutte captures the audience’s attention on his first entrance.  His character grows throughout his journey, driven by his main objective and continually probing any questions he faces.  Deborah Hedwall is powerful as Peter’s Mother.  She reaches deep to portray the hurt, loneliness, and disappointment of the character.  She and Mr. Curnutte have a strong connection.  Among the stylized interpretations in this production, the most intimate moment is between these two actors at the death of the Mother.

The huge cast of Ibsen’s play is performed by six actors in this adaptation.  The ensemble work is outstanding.  Jasmine Batchelor has a subtle and effective presence as Solvay.  There are equally strong performances by Jordan Bellow, Christy Escobar, and David Shih.  These amazing actors play numerous roles, quickly transforming into distinct characters in the blink of an eye.  

Playwright Will Eno
Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

Will Eno’s writing is rhythmic and prolific.  The relationships are established quickly through the tone of the writing.  Director Oliver Butler keeps this rhythm and tone consistent throughout the production, heightening the humor, sharply focusing the theme, and giving the audience distance to fully experience the extensive journey of the characters. 

The Theatre for a New Audience production of Will Eno’s Gnit is a MUST SEE.  Originally schedule and rehearsed for a March 2020 opening, the stunning set, designed by Kimie Nishikawa, remained on the Scripps mainstage of the Polansky Shakespeare Center throughout the pandemic.  It is sheer joy to finally experience this engaging piece of theatre.  Gnit is playing through November 21.  Don’t miss it! 

Domenick Danza

The Underlying Chris

The Underlying Chris

Second Stage Theater

Tony Kiser Theater

November 10, 2019

Photo courtesy of Second Stage Theater

Will Eno’s The Underlying Chris is a touching and provocative exploration about the continuity of life.  The Second Stage Theater production is beautifully directed by Kenny Leon.  Scenic design by Arnulfo Maldonado keeps the action flowing smoothly, connecting scenes that often span a number of years.  The cast changes roles from scene to scene, creating memorable and truthful moments that heighten your interest and propel the action forward.

It starts with a birth.  Chris is laying in his bassinette, while his mother is on the phone making an appointment with the pediatrician.  She is concerned because Chris seemed to have sustained a slight injury while playing with a large stuffed toy.  In the next scene Chris is a young boy, telling his nanny about his swimming lessons and aspirations to learn to dive.  He still feels the twinge in his back from his earlier injury.  The scene that follows finds Chris, a teenage girl, in a hospital being examined by a doctor after a diving accident.  We follow Chris as he/she grows to an adult, then a senior citizen.  In each scene the character is played by a different actor of a different gender and/or race.  Chris’ story continues to build, giving each audience member a specific opportunity to relate and identify.  This life story seems to encompass all of us.

The Full Cast of The Underlying Chris
Photo courtesy of Second Stage Theater

Will Eno sets up the structure and device of this journey right away.  Once you buy into it, the connecting messages ring with clarity and truth.  His writing, which seems simple at first, dives deep to the heart of a larger thematic message.  The dialogue is skillfully crafted and his subtle through line is prolifically structured.  The cast does a phenomenal job engaging the audience in this exploration.

The Underlying Chris is playing at the Tony Kiser Theater through December 15.  You’ve got to see it!

Domenick Danza

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

Wakey, Wakey

Wakey, Wakey

Signature Theatre

The Pershing Square Signature Center

February 22, 2017

Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Will Eno’s new play Wakey, Wakey is a touching look at the moments in life that create change and lasting value.  Mr. Eno has chosen to direct this production himself.  It is well done and has a very personal and sensitive effect.  The design team of David Lander (lighting), Nevin Steinberg (sound), and Peter Nigrini (projections) are clearly in sync with Mr. Eno, connecting the themes of his work to the audience on a visceral level.

Michael Emerson plays Guy, who directly addresses the audience throughout the piece.  He discusses the small moments in his daily life that matter to him, and takes the audience through visualizations to help them connect to theirs.  When Lisa (played by January LaVoy) enters, Guy’s physical stamina diminishes.  It becomes clear that she is there to care for him as his life draws to a close.  Suddenly, all of what he spoke about earlier has a significant weight and value.  He delivers on his word even after the play ends.

Michael Emerson
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Michael Emerson is captivating as Guy.  He is gentle and humorous.  He puts the audience at ease in a way that allows the poignant message to be felt.  January LaVoy is calming as Lisa.  Her purpose is strong and vital, yet her demeanor is effectively underplayed and touching.

Wakey, Wakey successfully breaks away form a formal structure, allowing the audience to ease into the experience.  The Signature Theatre production runs through March 26 at the Pershing Square Signature Center.  See it with an open mind and allow yourself to connect with the moment.

Domenick Danza