Illyria

Illyria

The Public Theater

November 25, 2017

Photo courtesy of The Public Theater

Illyria is an intimate look at the artistic yearnings and sense of community that motivated Joseph Papp and his friends to begin the Shakespeare Festival and later build what is now The Public Theater.  Playwright and Director Richard Nelson creates a captivating atmosphere where we, as an audience, gain access to personal conversations in rehearsal rooms, around the dinner table, and after a closing night performance.  The personal conflicts among the characters keeps the action flowing as we gain insight into the sensitivity, ambition, commitment, and vision of these men and women who shaped the New York City cultural landscape.

Photo courtesy of The Public Theater

The year is 1958 and Stuart Vaughan (played by John Sanders) is auditioning actors for a production of Twelfth Night for the free Shakespeare Festival in Central Park.  His producer, Joe Papp (played by John Magaro) wants to cast his wife, Peggy (played by Kristen Connolly), in the role of Olivia.  Stuart wants to cast a young actress, Mary Bennett (played by Naian Gonzalez Norvind) in the role.  This opens a can of artistic conflict between the two men, which includes the fact that Joe feels betrayed because Stuart has accepted a job with Phoenix Theater and is hiring most of their friends and company members.  In the next scene the battle between the Parks Department is unraveled.  The concept of presenting free Shakespeare in the park becomes a negotiating issue for everyone except the artists committed to presenting it.  The final scene takes place in the Central Park at night, where we gain a visceral understanding of what it at stake for all involved, especially Joe Papp.

John Magaro as Joe Papp
Photo courtesy of The Public Theater

The cast is an amazing ensemble, subtly playing off one another’s breath and glances.  The play is calm, quiet, and wonderfully naturalistic.  The audience becomes fully absorbed in the intimacy of the relationships.  This is a very tight group of friends who are bonded by artistic and creative experiences.  Sitting in The Public Theater for this performance offers an astounding perspective.  You gain a renewed appreciation for the beliefs and ideals on which Joseph Papp built the institution that has become not only a cultural pillar in the City of New York, but a model for artistic excellence across the country.

Illyria is running at The Public Theater through December 10.  Go see it!

Domenick Danza

Describe the Night

Describe the Night

Atlantic Theater Company

Linda Gross Theater

November 24, 2017

Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

The New York premier of Rajiv Joseph’s play Describe the Night is presently in previews at Atlantic Theater Company.  It explores the phenomenon of how perception can become reality, and how facts can easily be replaced by fabrications that become acceptable truths.  Mr. Joseph’s writing is luminous and engaging.  The action of the play spans the years from 1920 through 2010.  It follows the events connected by Isaac Babel, considered one of Russia’s greatest writers of his time, and Nicolai Yezhov, who was closely associated with Stalin and became the chief of the Soviet Police from 1936-38.  Their fabricated truths are linked to the plane crash in 2010 that killed the President, First Lady, and virtually every top member of Poland’s government and military.

Danny Burstein & Zach Grenier
Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

In 1920 Isaac Babel (played by Danny Burstein) meets Nicolai Yezhov (played by Zach Grenier).  They are both Soviet Soldiers.  Isaac is writing in his journal, describing the night, and teaches Nikolai how easy it is to tell a believable lie.  Fast forward to the plane crash of 2010, where Mariya, a journalist (played by Nadia Bowers), urgently needs to rent a car to flee the Soviet Police investigation of the events leading up to the crash.  Feliks, the car rental agent (played by Stephen Stocking), gives her his truck to escape unnoticed.  He passes on to her an old journal that was given to him by one of the victims of the plane crash before she died.  This is the journal belonging to Isaac Babel.  The play goes back and forth in time and follows the hand to hand journey of this journal, covered in truth, lies, perceptions, and falsities, from its start in 1920 until it gets into the hands of Vova (played by Max Gordon Moore), the man from St. Petersburg, who is on his way to be one of the most powerful men in the world.

Max Gordon Moore & Nadia Bowers
Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

The cast is superb in bringing clarity and life to the brilliant writing of Mr. Joseph’s play.  Every scene is driven by characters who are rich and real.  Danny Burstein and Zach Grenier juxtapose their characters with traits, physicality, and vocal rhythms that give visceral vigor to every scene they share.  Tina Benko is charming and heartbreaking as Yevgenia, the wife of Nicholai Yezhov.  The chemistry between her and Mr. Burstein is tangible.  Their connection is honest and genuine.  Nadia Bowers is powerful as Mariya.  She shows her range by also playing Mrs. Petrovna.  Max Gordon Moore’s character of Vova grows from an unassuming, eager government employee to a manipulative and aggressive official.

Danny Burstein, Zach Grenier, & Tina Benko
Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

Playwright Rajiv Joseph and director Giovanna Sardelli conquer a huge subject matter that is tightly interwoven with clear themes that are relative to every audience member.  The Atlantic Theater Company production of Describe the Night is running at the Linda Gross Theater through December 24.  The play has many layers that will keep you thinking.  See it with someone with whom you can have a deep, detailed discussion, or be prepared to do as I did and engage the person next to you during the two intermissions.   

Domenick Danza

Man to Man

Man to Man

Brooklyn Academy of Music

2017 Next Wave Festival

BAM Fisher (Fishman Space)

November 11, 2017

Photo courtesy of BAM 2017 Next Wave Festival

Man to Man is a one character play presented by Brooklyn Academy of Music as part of the 2017 Next Wave Festival.  This German work, written by Manfred Karge, has been translated into English by Alexandra Wood.  Based on a true story, the play begins before the rise of the Nazi Party and ends after the fall of the Berlin Wall.  Directed by Bruce Guthrie and Scott Graham, the production originated at the Wales Millennium Centre in 2015, transferred to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and now can boast a sold out run at Brooklyn Academy of Music.

Photo courtesy of BAM 2017 Next Wave Festival

Following the death of her husband, Ella (played by Maggie Bain) takes on his identity in order to earn a living as a crane operator.  She buries him with her own name on his headstone, and takes his job as a crane operator.  She is torn between her desire to become a mother and her need to survive independently.  With the outbreak of the war it becomes difficult to go undiscovered, so she joins the Nazi army.  After the war, she continues to live secretly as a man, yearning to connect to her true self.

Maggie Bain is remarkable in this powerful piece of theatre.  Her physical strength, dexterity, and intensity are captivating.  She climbs the walls of the set, suspends herself from the ceiling, and creates tender moments of deep, personal longing.  Her vocal skill shows great range as she portrays numerous characters who come in contact with Ella on her journey. 

Photo courtesy of MAN 2017 Next Wave Festival

The video design (by Andrzej Goulding) and lighting (by Rick Fisher) are  mesmerizing.  The shadows cast on the walls by the actor transform into images of people in Ella’s story as well as her private desires.  They blend synchronistical and give a clear understanding of the main character’s loneliness and isolation.  

Man to Man is a unique and moving experience.  Unfortunately, this production ran at BAM’s Next Wave Festival for a very limited (November 7 – 11).  Keep your eyes peeled for video showings or additional bookings.  

Domenick Danza

Conquest of the Universe or When Queens Collide

Conquest of the Universe

or When Queens Collide

La Mama

Experimental Theatre Club

November 4, 2017

 

Photo courtesy of La Mama

Charles Ludlam’s Conquest of the Universe or When Queens Collide is now running in the East Village at La Mama Experimental Theatre Club.  Director Everett Quinton recreates this Ridiculous Theatrical Company production with bawdy humor and raucous sexual innuendo.  The play is structured with parallels to Christopher Marlowe’s Tamburlaine the Great and contains direct references to William Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Titus Andronicus. 

Everett Quinton & Geraldine Dulex
Photo courtesy of Theo Cote & La Mama

The play opens with Tamberlaine, President of the Earth (played by Grant Neale), conquering Mars and capturing Bajazeth, King of Mars (played by Lenys Sama), and Zabina, Queen of Mars (played by Everett Quinton).  Tamberlaine goes on to conquer Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn, enslaving their leaders.  When Zabina is murdered, her brother Cosroe (also played by Everett Quinton) unites with the imprisoned leaders of the universe to plot revenge.

Grant Neale as Tamberlaine
Photo courtesy of Theo Cote & La Mama

The cast is largely made up of veteran members of The Ridiculous Theatrical Company.  Everett Quinton embodies the timing and rhythm that makes Charles Ludlam’s work relevant and alive.  Grant Neale is broad and commanding as Tamberlaine.  Lenys Sama is bold as Bajazeth.  Geraldine Dulex is titillating as Venus.  Beth Dodye Bass is powerful as Natolia, Queen of Saturn.  Over the top performances are delivered by the entire cast, especially Shane Baker, John Gutierrez, and Sommer Carbuccia.

This production of Conquest of the Universe or When Queens Collide celebrates the cutting edge experimental theatre of Charles Ludlam and The Ridiculous Theatrical Company.  If you have not experienced it before, this is your chance.  It is running at La Mama through November 19. 

Domenick Danza

Harry Clarke

Harry Clarke

Vineyard Theater

October 28, 2017

 

Photo courtesy of Vineyard Theatre

Billy Crudup is starring in a one character play at Vineyard Theatre.  Written by David Cale, Harry Clarke is a psychological exploration of one man’s quest for acceptance and struggle with identity.  Director Leigh Silverman finds the significant moments of this ninety minute piece that allow the audience to laugh with the main character, empathize with his flaws, and feel shocked by his bold, threatening behavior.

Philip Brugglestein (played by Billy Crudup) was born in Evanston, IL and grew up in South Bend, IN.  He discovers at an early age that he is more comfortable with himself when speaking in a British accent.  After an abusive outburst by his father during his adolescence, an alter-ego emerges.  Harry Clarke is a bold Cockney who is not afraid to take risks and speak his mind.  A number of years later, while living in New York City, Harry Clarke re-emerges during a low period in Philip’s life.  This time he makes a deal with Philip.  Harry wants Philip to give over to him 100% for a three month trial period.  Philip agrees and embarks on the journey of no return.

Billy Crudup, Director Leigh Silverman, and Playwright David Cale
Photos courtesy of Vineyard Theatre

Billy Crudup is magnificent in this role.  He embodies numerous characters as he tells this alarming story.  The accent and vocal rhythm of each character is so distinct that you recognize them immediately.  The characters of Philip Brugglestein and Harry Clarke also have a distinguishing physicalization that visibly identifies them.  Mr. Crudup’s transitions are smooth and clear.  He is absorbing and engaging.  It is an enthralling performance.

Playwright David Cale has written an intriguing character.  He skillfully structures the telling of this story with unexpected reveals that hook the audience’s attention and peak their curiosity. 

Harry Clarke is playing at Vineyard Theatre through December 10.  If you are a Billy Crudup fan, you will love this show.  If you are not, you will definitely become one after seeing it.  

Domenick Danza

Junk

Junk

Lincoln Center Theater

at The Vivian Beaumont

October 21, 2017

 

Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

Ayad Akhtar’s new play Junk, produced by Lincoln Center Theater, tells the story of corporate buy outs, greed, and the loss of work ethic and professional integrity.  The powerhouse cast of twenty-three ignites Mr. Akhtar’s skillfully crafted dialogue with a fiery passion that keeps you on the edge of your seat.  The characters are so honest, flawed, cunning, and charming that you will find yourself buying what they are selling and, as with Mr. Akhtar’s other plays, find yourself questioning your own judgement and motivations.

The year is 1985.  Robert Merkin (played by Steven Pasquale) is in the business of taking over large corporations by creating debt and raising money to buy them out.  He sells junk bonds and makes millions for his clients, keeping a high percentage for himself.  Sometimes he bends the rules, sometimes he breaks the law.  When he decides to buy Everson Steel, the third generation owner, Thomas Everson Jr. (played by Rick Holmes), puts up a larger resistance than expected.  It becomes a fight of ethic vs. greed, and it is not until the very end that it becomes clear who suffers the greatest loss.

Steven Pasquale as Steven Merkin
Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

Steven Pasquale is driven as Robert Merkin.  He has a powerful presence that keeps the action moving, even when he is not on stage.  Rick Holmes portrays Thomas Everson Jr. as a determined fighter.  He has a lot at stake, both personally and financially.  Playwright Ayad Akhtar has masterfully crafted these two characters.  They are each compelled by selfish motives, yet compassionate and aware of the effect their actions have on those around them.  The consequences of their conflict are always in question.  The balance of egotism and empathy keeps the struggle between them riveting. 

Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

The brilliance of this play is the way Mr. Akhtar develops all the characters so that the audience gets to know their many sides.  From the Lincoln Center Theater program: “Junk is a fictionalize account suggested by events in the historical public record.  The characters in this play are dramatic concoctions, stitched together – at times – with details pulled from history but these characters are never anything other than fiction.”  Amazing performances are delivered by the entire cast, especially Teresa Avia Lim, Matthew Rauch, Henry Stram, Michael Siberry, Ito Aghayere, Miriam Silverman, and Joey Slotnick.

Experiencing this play will give you a new perspective on how greed is a driving force in the American economy, and how our own personal desires are a contributing factor in its downfall.  Junk is presently in previews at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, and runs through January 7.     

Domenick Danza

Jesus Hopped the A Train

Jesus Hopped the A Train

Signature Theatre

The Pershing Square Signature Center

October 14, 2017

 

Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

“People think everything is replaceable.  Everything is not replaceable.  People believe they go through life accumulating things.  That is incorrect.  People go through life discarding things, tangible and intangible, replaceable and priceless,” says Corrections Officer Valdez (played by Ricardo Chavira) in Act I of Jesus Hopped the A Train.  Playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis’ brilliantly relates that statement to the value we put on not only human life, but our own existence.  This Signature Theatre production is spellbinding from the moment it begins, and intensely accelerates to a dramatic conclusion.

Edi Gathegi & Ricardo Chavira
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

When Angel Cruz (played by Sean Carvajal) is arrested for shooting a preacher in the ass, Mary Jane Hanrahan (played by Stephanie DiMaggio) is appointed his legal aid attorney.  He is verbally abusive to her at their first meeting.  When he openly admits doing the shooting, she explains it is in his best interest that she not represent him and that he not confess to his next appointed lawyer.  She is personally moved by the righteousness of his confession, and returns to visit him for the details of his story.  She decides to take his case when he reveals that the preacher he shot is a cult leader who brainwashed and stole his best friend.  When the preacher dies due to complications during surgery, Angel is charged with murder.  It is when Angel befriends serial killer Lucius Jenkins (played by Edi Gathegi) at Rikers that he begins to question his actions and sense of right and wrong.

Sean Carvajal
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Before the play started there was an announcement that Sean Carvajal stepped into the role of Angel Cruz earlier in the week and will carry a script in his hand for a few scenes.  Script or no script, he is truly remarkable.  He is fully present in every moment.  He emotionally engages the audience with the plight of his character, pulling them into the dramatic action of the play.  The most powerful scene is between him and Stephanie DiMaggio during Act I.  They go head to head, both passionately seeking truth to believe in. Ms. DiMaggio is riveting.  She grabs your attention even before her scenes begin when she walks into place in the dark with a sever determination that skillfully drives the scene the minute the lights come up.  Edi Gathegi smoothly

Stephanie DiMaggio
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

charms his way into your heart, as every serial murderer should, blurring the line between good and evil, then clearly defining it as he entraps Angel Cruz in Act II.  

Each actor portrays the many layers of their characters with clarity and honestly.  They create moments that explode with urgency.  Mr. Guirgis’ dialogue is zealous and masterfully woven.  You MUST see this play.  Jesus Hopped the A Train is playing at The Pershing Square Signature Center through November 12.  Don’t miss it!

Domenick Danza