The LaBute New Theater Festival

The LaBute New Theater Festival

St. Louis Actors’ Studio

Davenport Theater

January 20, 2019

Photo courtesy of St. Louis Actors' Studio

Three one-act plays by Neil LaBute are now running Off-Broadway at the Davenport Theater.  St. Louis Actors’ Studio is presenting The LaBute New Theater Festival through January 27.  In these three short pieces, the playwright explores controversial and topical themes in a very direct manner.  This gives the audience the opportunity to face their personal feelings and points of view on racism, sexism, Neo-Nazism, and gun violence.

Eric Dean White in The Fourth Reich
Photo courtesy of St. Louis Actors' Studio

The Fourth Reich is a one man show.  Karl (played by Eric Dean White) calmly shares his perspective on Adolph Hitler.  He does not abhor the man’s actions, nor does he boast of the man’s accomplishments.  He offers a different perspective on the actions France and Russia took during World War II and the events initiated by the United States during subsequent wars.  Mr. White portrays Karl with a commanding and grounded composure that is highly effective.  This elicits for a visceral response from the audience to Mr. LaBute’s message.

Brenda Meaney & KeiLyn Durrel Jones
Photo courtesy of St. Louis Actors' Studio

In Great Negro Works of Art, Jerri (played by Brenda Meaney) is waiting to meet Tom (played by KeiLyn Durrel Jones) for a first date at an art museum.  They immediately dive into an uncomfortable race discussion, which leads into another uncomfortable discussion based on their sexist points of view.  Ms. Meaney and Mr. Jones have a great chemistry and play the attraction between the two characters to the max.  This allows for a very entertaining and engaging cat and mouse game.

Gia Crovatin in Unlikely Japan
Photo courtesy of St. Louis Actors' Studio

The third piece on the program is Unlikely Japan.  When Katie (played by Gia Crovatin) sees a photo of her old high school boyfriend as one of the victims of the Las Vegas shooting, forgotten memories flood back to her.  She is overwhelmed with the guilt of how show broke it off with him when he planned a trip for both of them to Japan.  Would his tragic death have been avoided if she had handled it differently?  Ms. Crovatin delivers an empathetic and relatable portrayal of this character.  Mr. LaBute takes a close look at how personally Americans view tragic events, thus diminishing the push for social change.

These three short works are skillfully crafted by the playwright, superbly directed by John Pierson and Neil LaBute, and meticulously performed.  You only have until January 27 to see them, so get there right away!

Domenick Danza

True West

True West

Roundabout Theatre Company

American Airlines Theatre

December 28, 2018

Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Co.

In True West Sam Shepard explores the jealousy and competition between brothers by heightening the clashes and destroying all acceptable facades.  The Roundabout Theatre Company production is well conceived and executed.  Director James Macdonald creates a rhythm between the two main characters that establishes their relationship.  As the action develops and the tables turn, the truth of the sibling rivalry reveals itself and explodes to an out of control level.

Lee (played by Ethan Hawke) drops in on his brother, Austin (played by Paul Dano), who is house sitting for their mother (played by Marylouise Burke) while she is on vacation in Alaska.  Austin is focused on writing a screenplay, while Lee is looking for his next grift.  During a meeting Austin has with Saul Kimmer, the producer of his project (played by Gary Wilmes), Lee interrupts and steals his thunder.  When Saul jumps at a story idea pitched by Lee, the months of time and effort Austin put on his project is brought to an abrupt and frustrating end.  The brothers are forced to work together and inadvertently face years of deep seeded rage.

Ethan Hawke & Paul Dano
Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

Paul Dano and Ethan Hawke are perfectly matched in this production.  From the beginning of the play they are both driven by underlying emotion that clearly defines their early years of growing up together.  When the stakes are raised, they both reveal how far these suppressed emotions will take them.  In the final scene any remains of rational thinking is eviscerated and the sparks fly freely.  Mr. Dano’s and Mr. Hawke’s characters are impulsively driven.  Each scene contains unexpected turns that reveal their true selves.  Both men challenge themselves and deliver genuine performances.

True West is playing at the American Airlines Theatre through March 17.  Don’t miss this Sam Shepard scrutiny of family dynamics and brotherly rivalry.

Domenick Danza

Fabulation, or the Re-Education of Undine

Fabulation,

or the Re-Education of Undine

Signature Theatre

Pershing Square Signature Center

December 26, 2018

Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

What happens when the life you create for yourself collapses around you, leaving you with no choice but to return to your family, who you turned your back on years earlier?  That is the dramatic question and story line of Lynn Nottage’s comedy, Fabulation, or the Re-Education of Undine.  Director Lileana Blain-Cruz finds the timing needed to deliver the laughs in the cutting humor and direct address of the main character.  Ms. Nottage’s play is full of social commentary and bitter sarcasm, yet offers a glimpse for a more hopeful tomorrow. 

Undine (played by Cherise Boothe) is a self-made, high powered, very successful PR exec, who calls all the shots with total disregard for everyone but herself.  When her husband, Herve (played by Ian Lassiter), drains her bank accounts and abandons her, she finds herself pregnant and destitute.  She returns to her family in Brooklyn, who, according to the stories she make up when she re-created herself after college, died in a fire.  The culture shock of her return to the housing projects is heightened when she is arrested for buying crack for her addicted Grandmother (played by Heather Alicia Simms).  As dark as things get, nothing is greater than her fear of having a baby and becoming a mother.

J. Bernard Calloway & Cherise Boothe
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Charisse Boothe delivers a tremendous performance in the difficult and complex role of Undine.  She is brash, pushy, condescending, and unlikeable, yet Ms. Boothe keeps a hold of the audience’s attention as they engage in her character’s journey.  Each one of Undine’s outbursts peels back a layer of her harsh exterior until her vulnerable heart is finally exposed.  At that moment you realize that Ms. Boothe has been playing every one of Undine’s brutal traits with that susceptible heart, which is why you connected to her struggle from the start.

Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

The cast is a brilliant ensemble, playing numerous and varied roles.  Funny, touching, and raw character are created by Mayaa Boateng, Marcus Callender, J. Bernard Calloway, Dashiell Eaves, Ian Lassider, Nikiya Mathis, and Heather Alicia Simms. 

Fabulation, or the Re-Education of Undine is playing at Pershing Square Signature Center through January 13.  There’s still time to get a ticket.

Domenick Danza

Choir Boy

Choir Boy

Manhattan Theatre Club

The Samuel J. Friedman Theatre

December 22, 2018

Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

In Tarell Alvin McCraney’s play Choir Boy, he explores the turmoil one young, black man faces to accept his homosexuality and carve out a place for himself in the world.  This Manhattan Theatre Club production is superbly directed by Trip Cullman with a gently touch and warm heart.  Mr. McCraney’s play is highlighted by acapella singing of gospel hymns and spirituals that illuminate the depth and drive of these well-written characters.  Movement by Camille A. Brown viscerally connects the audience to their need for unity and belonging. 

Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

The Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys is celebrating its 50^th year of providing excellence and tradition in the education of strong, ethical black men.  Pharus (played by Jeremy Pope) is confident in realizing his goal of leading the choir in his senior year and singing the school song at his own graduation.  Headmaster Marrow (played by Chuck Cooper) is supportive of his talents, while tactfully encouraging him to downplay his flamboyant behavior.  Bobby (played by J. Quinton Johnson) is constantly bullying Pharus, yet unable to bring him down.  Pharus is determined to achieve his goals, fit in, make his mother proud, and become a Drew graduate of distinction.  When he is caught in an intimate encounter with a fellow student, he is put on probation and forced to face his homosexuality.  He finds comfort and acceptance where he least expects it.

Jeremy Pope & Chuck Cooper
Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

Jeremy Pope portrays Pharus with high integrity and strong determination.  As these qualities are put to the test during the action of the play, we see his sensitive and vulnerable side.  Mr. Pope blends all these qualities to deliver a truthful performance of a young man struggling with self-acceptance while challenged to create a respectful position in his community.  J. Quinton Johnson’s Bobby is a strong adversary to Mr. Pope’s Pharus.  He is boldly determined to keep the tradition and honor of Drew Prep free from homosexual influence.  John Clay III plays Pharus’ roommate Anthony.  His character is self-assured and secure.  He has an open heart, full of care and compassion for his good friend.  Caleb Eberhardt delivers a heart wrenching performance as David.  He is full of fear and doubt, due to monumental pressure from his family.

Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

This is a cast of highly skilled actor/singers who become one when performing acapella.  The destruction of that unity as each character strives for honor, belonging, and respect is what makes Choir Boy a gripping story.  See it!  It is playing at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre through February 17.    

Domenick Danza

The Ferryman

The Ferryman

Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre

December 15, 2018

Photo courtesy of The Ferryman

Playwright Jez Butterworth’s play, The Ferryman, skillfully weaves factual occurrences involving the Irish Republican Army with the lives of a poor Irish Farmer and his tight-knit family.  The outcome is an absorbing and intimate story of how a family, bonded by love and faith, can fall as their darker secrets and need for vengeance rise to the surface.  Director Sam Mendes brilliantly interprets this three hour and fifteen minute masterpiece, building the action to a stunning climax.  He successfully focuses a cast of twenty-one phenomenal actors to work as one unit, while delivering genuine and powerful individual performances.

It is 1981 in Northern Ireland.  “For five months, Republican inmates in the Maze Prison have been on hunger strikes to demand they be recognized as political prisoners.  Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher has refused, and nine successive prisoners have already died in the ‘H block’.”  (from The Ferryman program notes). 

Niall Wright & Paddy Considine
Photo courtesy of The Ferryman

The Carney family welcomes the excitement of Harvest Day.  Quinn Carney (played by Paddy Considine) vigorously wakes his family for a day of hard work and joyous celebration.  Father Horrigan (played by Charles Dale) enters with news that the body of Shamus Carney, who disappeared ten years ago, has been found buried in a bog with a bullet through his head.  Caitlin (played by Laura Donnelly) decides to keep this information about her husband quiet until after the celebration.  Quinn reluctantly agrees, wanting the news of his brother’s murder shared with his family and the rest of the community.  Unfortunately, Caitlin’s fourteen year old son, Oisin (played by Rob Malone) overhears this discussion, and holds back his reaction.  When the family is visited by IRA leader Muldoon (played by Stuart Graham) during their celebration, the news is abruptly broken to the family.  Their past involvement with the IRA is revealed.  Loyalty is expected.  Revenge is desired.  Betrayal is imminent.

Laura Donnelly & Paddy Considine
Photo courtesy of The Ferryman

The cast creates the high energy, close relationships of three generations of a large Irish farming family.  They are warm, caring, boisterous, and volatile.  This environment is vital to the action of the play.  It is genuine and enthralling.  Paddy Considine plays Quinn Carney as a strong father figure with a big heart.  His sons (played by Fra Fee and Niall Wright) are vigorous and fervent.  His daughters (played by Matilda Lawler, Carla Langley, Willow McCarthy, and Brooklyn Shuck) are mischievous and inquisitive.  Laura Donnelly portrays Caitlin Carney with a strong and determined open heart.  She is an equal match to Mr. Considine.  Their chemistry is profound and joyous.

Laura Donnelly, Genevieve O'Reilly, & Paddy Considine
Photo courtesy of The Ferryman

Each of the three acts of Jez Butterworth’s play peels back numerous layers of the lives of the characters and the events of their past.  As we see how their actions are dominated by fear, we understand the political situation at that time in Ireland.  As we listen to the stories of Aunt Maggie (played by Fionnula Flanagan) about the howling of the Banshees, and the reading by Uncle Pat (played by Mark Lambert) of the myth of the souls waiting to be carried by the Ferryman across the River Styx, we understand the depth of the haunting of this family and the centuries of injustice imposed upon the Irish people.

The Ferryman is a brilliant piece of theatre.  It is masterfully written. skillfully directed, and magnificently performed.  This production is not to be missed.  Get your tickets right away!

Domenick Danza

American Son

American Son

Booth Theatre

December 8, 2018

Photo courtesy of American Son

In his play, American Son, playwright Christopher Demos-Brown brings emotional depth and a broader perspective to the harsh realities of our present day social struggle and racial divide.  Director Kenny Leon builds the dramatic tension while the main characters revisit the misunderstandings and betrayals in their marriage during a highly vulnerable event.  The distance between this newly separated husband and wife starts with the difference in their race and upbringing, then shift to their egos, deep rooted fears, and unfulfilled expectations.  Kerry Washington and Steven Pasquale are both riveting, delivering truthful performances grounded in a genuine sense of connection.   

Kerry Washington, Steven Pasquale, & Jeremy Jordan
Photo courtesy of American Son

It is 4:00 AM in a police station in Miami, Florida.  Kendra (played by Kerry Washington) is waiting, impatient, and emotionally drained.  Officer Paul Larkin (played by Jeremy Jordan) enters and informs her that he has no news on the whereabouts of her son Jamal, but can verify that his car was in a reported incident.  Protocol demands that she wait for the arrival of Lieutenant Stokes (played by Eugene Lee) for further information.  When Kendra’s husband, Scott (played by Steven Pasquale) shows up, Officer Larkin mistakes him for Lieutenant Stokes and proceeds to fill him in on the case.  Scott’s bureaucratic handling of the situation sends Kendra further into hysterics and generates arguments about their failed marriage and the raising of their son.  When Scott’s brother texts him a link to a video of a local police shooting, they become seriously concerned about Jamal’s well-being.

Kerry Washington & Steven Pasquale
Photo courtesy of American Son

Kerry Washington delivers a monologue in the first half of the show that exposes the deeply rooted fear her character has been unable to get her arms around since the birth of her son.  This is a powerful and truthful moment, and Ms. Washington delivers it with genuine passion.  Steven Pasquale’s response to this monologue succinctly illustrates the distance between the two characters.  It is not until there is evidence that their son could be in serious danger that his character rises to the realities of the situation and exposes his vulnerability.  The richness in Mr. Pasquale’s performance is found in the juxtaposition of his reserve and unanticipated emotional outburst.  These two actors vividly portray the unknown elements that exist between two people in a long term relationship, as well as the bond that unites them forever.   

Eugene Lee’s Lieutenant Stokes takes immediate control upon his arrival and brings a perspective to the situation that expands and deepens the truth and thematic strength of the play.  This is where playwright Christopher Demos-Brown transports the emotionally driven story into broader complexity, challenging your sense of right and wrong and presenting themes that strike the heart of every audience member.

American Son is a well written, well directed, and timely piece of theatre.  The performances are very worth seeing.  The ending is impactful and unexpected.  It is running at the Booth Theatre through January 27.  

Domenick Danza

Days of Rage

Days of Rage

Second Stage Theater

Tony Kiser Theater

November 24, 2018

Photo courtesy of Second Stage Theater

What happened to the ideals of the youth of America?  Where is the revolutionary spirit that wasn’t afraid to stand up and protest against an unjust war?  Playwright Steven Levenson takes us back to that time with Days of Rage, now completing a successful run at Second Stage Theater.  It is 1969 in Ithaca, New York, and a handful of college dropouts form a collective to join the revolution for change in America.  Director Trip Cullman finds the perfect pace to tell this powerful and vital story, fueled by the angst of the time period.

While Jenny (played by Lauren Patten) is handing out leaflets and trying to motivate college students to join a protest in Chicago, she meets Hal (played by J. Alphonse Nicholson).  She tries to recruit him, until he reveals that his manager sent him out to ask her to move away from the front of their store before he calls the police.  She returns to the collective house she shares with Spence (played by Mike Faist) and Quinn (played by Odessa Young) to discuss the bleak outcome of their recruitment efforts and their financial difficulties.  The next day Hal tracks Jenny down to continue their political discussion and explore their personal connection.  Spence meets Peggy (played by Tavi Gevinson) who is eager to join the collective.  Spence is hesitant to bring her back to the house, but she has something they are in desperate need of, $2,000 cash.  After two of their friends who left the collective house are killed in a bombing attempt, the group is followed by men they believe to be FBI.  Their trust in one another and dedication toward their political beliefs are put into question.

Lauren Patten & Mike Faist
Photo courtesy of Second Stage Theater

All five of the actors are phenomenal.  Their chemistry is electric and their timing is impeccable.  Lauren Patten portrays Jenny's intensity with clear determination.  She is driven by the optimism of her ideals, yet torn by the changing focus and violent direction of the collective.  Mike Faist delivers some of the comic relief with brilliant timing and quick wit.  Odessa Young’s Quinn is dark and brooding, while Tavi Gevinson upsets the norm with rebellious blabber and a hidden secret.  J. Alphonse Nicholson is grounding and rational as Hal, offering the other characters a different perspective on the truth.

  

Odessa Young & Tavi Gevinson
Photo courtesy of Second Stage Theater

In the final scene Spence and Quinn offer a glimpse into the future as they prepare for the Chicago protest.  They see the world moving forward without much improvement and their rebellious efforts turning into fabled stories they pass onto the next generation.  Question: What purpose do their “days of rage” serve?  Answer: To raise a voice that incites action and keeps the world continually moving forward is a constant necessity, regardless of the outcome.

Days of Rage is a powerful play about the values of raising our voices and how the past propels into the future.  This extraordinary Second Stage Theater production closes on November 25.    

Domenick Danza