Henry IV

Folger Theatre

Folger Shakespeare Library

Washington DC

September 28, 2019

Photo courtesy of Folger Theatre

The Folger Theatre production of Henry IV (Part 1) is packed with merriment, celebration, and honor.  In one of the final scenes the character of Falstaff humorously tells us that “the better part of valor is discretion,” yet the action of the play illustrates a more serious and noble theme.  Director Rosa Hoshi keeps the lighthearted scenes genuine, while sustaining the danger and risk of the rebels seeking the crown.  The performance culminates in scenes of battle that are choreographed with precision and build quickly from one moment to the next.

Avery Whitted & Peter Cook
Photo courtesy of Folger Theatre

King Henry IV (payed by Peter Crook) is in dispute with his once ally Hotspur (played by Tyler Fauntleroy), who decides to rally Worchester (played by Naomi Jacobson) and Northumberland (played by U. Jonathan Toppo) to rebellion.  They rise up against the King’s army.  The King summons his son, Prince Hal (played by Avery Whitted) to return to duty.  Hal has spent his youth carousing in taverns and befriending Falstaff (played by Edward Gero), who mischievously influences his behavior.  Their bond is strong and gives Hal the excuse to continually chose irresponsibly.  When summoned by his father, Hal needs face his fate and make a life altering decision.

Edward Gero & Avery Whitted
Photo courtesy of Folger Theatre

The ensemble cast plays numerous roles and keeps the action moving at a brisk pace.  Peter Crook is commanding as King Henry IV.  Tyler Fauntleroy’s Hotspur is passionately driven.  He lights a fire under the characters who he leads into rebellion and never loses his conviction.  Avery Whitted portrays Prince Hal with youthful energy and a strong sense of integrity.  His character’s honor and morality are never compromised.  Edward Gero is warm and genuine as Falstaff.  He does not take anything too far over the top, so we can see why Prince Hal follows and admires him.  Their relationship is truthful and sincere.

Henry IV (Part I) is playing at Folger Theatre in Washington DC through October 13.  It is a powerful and bold production.  If you see a performance at Folger’s Theatre, be sure to sign up for the Folger Library tour.  It is free and truly remarkable.   

Domenick Danza

The Rose Tattoo

The Rose Tattoo

Roundabout Theatre Company

American Airlines Theatre

September 21, 2019

Photo courtesy of
Roundabout Theatre Company

Marisa Tomei is passionate and tempestuous in Roundabout Theatre Company’s production of The Rose Tattoo.  Director Trip Cullman finds the rhythms and longings in Tennessee Williams’ writing.  He builds the action of the play to the stunning realization for the main character as she releases the past and opens her heart.  The original music by Fitz Patton and Jason Michael Webb sets the perfect tone throughout the play.  The composition and vocals allow time to  process and absorb the events of the story, as they connect the poignant moments.

It is1950 in a small Gulf Coast town.  Serafina (played by Marisa Tomei) is a Sicilian woman, passionately in love with her husband.  Together they have one daughter, Rose (played by Ella Rubin).  Serafina wakes from a dream one night and envisions her husband’s rose tattoo on her breast.  At that moment she knows she has conceived a son.  When her husband does not return from work, the women of the town come to tell her he has been killed.  The shock causes her to lose the baby.  Three years pass.  Seraphina keeps her husband’s ashes in an urn on a shelf, and holds on tight to her daughter’s innocence.  She prays to the Blessed Mother for help and send a sign of how to handle her daughter’s growing up.  Alvaro Mangiacavallo (played by Emun Elliott), a truck driver passing through, winds up at her door.  He has the body of her husband and the face of a clown.  Is this the sign Serafina was praying for?  What will it take for her to open her heart again?

Marisa Tomei as Searfina
Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

Emun Elliott and Marisa Tomei have a powerful chemistry.  They find the humorous moments in Tennessee Williams writing, then dive deeply into the fire.  The second act is rich in emotion, discovery, pain, and joy.  Ella Rubin also shares a beautiful chemistry with her love interest, played by Burke Swanson.  She is bold and forthcoming, while he is reserved and respectful.  This plays out in wonderfully tender and sincere moments.

The entire ensemble works magnificently together to create a close-knit community.  The set design by Mark Wendland and lighting design by Ben Stanton evoke a warm, open, and run-down beach front home, complete with a stage covered in a foot of sand.

The Rose Tattoo is playing at the American Airline Theatre through December 8.  This production brings the poetry and passion of this Tennessee Williams work beautifully to life on a large scale.  The performances are magnificent!

Domenick Danza

Scotland, PA

Scotland, PA

Roundabout Theatre Company

The Laura Pels Theatre

September 14, 2019

Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

Michael Mitnick and Adam Gwon’s new musical, Scotland, PA, is making its premier at Roundabout Theatre Company.  It is based on the movie of the same title, which is based on Shakespeare’s Macbeth.  It is wickedly funny, as it follows the underdog hero’s rise to the top, then brutally dramatic as he tragically falls.  Director Lonny Price maintains the balance of humor and severity in this multi-layered story.  He guides the cast to build a wide range of characters and deliver skillful performances.

It is 1975 in Scotland, Pennsylvania.  Mac (played by Ryan McCartan) is constantly pitching innovative ideas to his boss, Duncan (played by Jeb Brown).  Mac and his wife, Pat (played by Taylor Iman Jones), have been working in Duncan’s restaurant since high school.  After more than twelve years, Pat wants more.  She convinces Mac to rob the restaurant.  The voices in his head (played by Alysha Umphress, Wonu Ogunfowora, and Kaleb Wells) make him feel like he can achieve anything, so he agrees.  Mac and Pat set up their alibi by attending a party their friend Banko (played by Jay Armstrong Johnson) is throwing.  Duncan fights back during the robbery and is unexpectedly killed.  Mac and Pat remove all evidence and think they’re in the clear, until Detective Peg McDuff (played by Megan Lawrence) shows up asking questions.

Ryan McCartan & Taylor Iman Jones in Rehearsal
Photo courtesy ot Roundabout Theatre Company

Act II is full of all the dark intrigue and psychological intricacies of Shakespeare’s tale.  It also contains some haunting melodies, “Clairvoyant” being the strongest.  Ryan McCartan and Taylor Iman Jones effectively carry the tale all the way to its tragic ending.  Their portrayals of Mac and Pat are genuine and complex.  You root for them to succeed and are understanding when events turn dark and out of their control.  As they fall deeper into their own selfishness and make desperate decisions to hide from their guilt, you know their downfall is inevitable.

The Full Cast of Scotland, PA
Photo courtesy fo Roundabout Theatre Company

Jay Armstrong Johnson is outstanding as Banko.  His comic timing is perfect.  His character is sincere, simple, and caring.  He delivers a strong and unique performance.

Scotland, PA is dark and funny.  If you like Shakespeare’s Macbeth, you will laugh at the inside jokes and outlandish setting and situation.  The show is playing at the Laura Pels Theatre through December 8.  Check it out! 

Domenick Danza

Sunday

Sunday

Atlantic Theater Company

Linda Gross Theater

September 7, 2019

Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

Jack Thorne’s new play, Sunday, commissioned by Atlantic Theater Company, is an intimate exploration of the powerful moments that define a person’s life.  It is a character driven story with a clear and valuable message.  The six characters are well developed and clearly defined.  The relationships continually feed the conflict, which leads to introspective moments that pull the story forward.  The cast is keenly connected and all deliver crisp and potent performances. 

Juliana Canfield, Sadie Scott, Zane Pais, & Ruby Frankel
Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

Marie (played by Sadie Scott) is on the phone with her mother while waiting for her roommate, Jill (played by Juliana Canfield), to get home.  It is Sunday, their book group night.  Marie’s downstairs neighbor, Bill (played by Maurice Jones), asks Marie to not play the music too loud because he has to get up early for work.  Jill returns with the vodka and snacks for the meeting, and the rest of the group descends upon the apartment.  They are discussing Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler.  Keith (played by Christian Strange) continually takes the conversation off topic.  Alice (played by Ruby Frankel) strains to bring it back into focus.  Milo (played by Zane Pais) gets inappropriate with Marie, but Jill keeps him from getting out of hand.  The evening’s conversation continually gets personal and is filled with animosity.  After everyone leaves, Marie finds herself alone and unsettled.  Her downstairs neighbor, Bill, hears her pacing the floor, and knocks on her door.  Their conversation turns deeper than either of them expects. 

Ruby Frankel in rehearsal
Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

The character of Alice narrates throughout the play.  The brilliance of this choice by Mr. Thorne is skillfully followed through by Director Lee Sunday Evans by keeping Alice aloof in how she relates to the other characters.  She is more than just a narrator.  She is an observer.  Her insights come from her first hand knowledge of the characters and their experiences, and propel the story deeper into their emotional state and motivating impulses.  Ruby Frankel’s portrayal of Alice brings depth and vitality to the story.

Sadie Scott in rehearsal
Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

The scene between Marie and her downstairs neighbor, Bill, after the book group members leave the apartment, is monumental.  Mr. Thorne takes huge risks with these two characters in their interaction.  Each one has a valuable payoff.  The scene builds and falls, then builds again, taking the play to a stunning conclusion.  Sadie Scott and Maurice Jones are genuinely vulnerable in this scene.

Jack Thorne has written a uniquely structured, thought provoking, and intriguing play.  Sunday is playing at the Linda Gross Theater though October 13.  See it with a friend.  An intense discussion is sure to follow.       

Domenick Danza

Othello

Othello

The Drilling Company

Bryant Park Shakespeare

August 31, 2019

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

The Drilling Company brings the summer to a dramatic close with their Bryant Park Shakespeare production of Othello.  Director Hamilton Clancy brings together a talented cast who delivers moving performances of these classic characters.  His choice of modernizing the costumes and setting allows for accessibility to the complex story line and simplicity to the stage pictures.

Iago (played by David Marantz), a third ranking officer, is passed over for a promotion by Othello (played by Emmanuel Elpenord), the top ranking General.  When Othello secretly marries Desdemona (played by Liz Livingston), Iago sees an opportunity to seek his revenge.  He plans to fill Othello’s head with lies about Desdemona cheating on him with Cassio (played by Bradford B. Frost).  The proud and strong general falls into Iago's deceit,  and is overcome with jealousy and emotion.  His reactions and behavior threatens his own authority.  Once Iago supplies physical proof of this fabricated story, provided by his unsuspecting wife, Emilia (played by Karla Hendrick), Othello is easily manipulated into take desperate action.

Liz Livingston & Emmanuel Elpenard
Photos courtesy of The Drilling Company

Emmanuel Elpenord is a solid and commanding Othello.  He builds a trusting and open relationship with David Marantz’s Iago.  The two men have a strong chemistry, which makes the plot build and unfold in a believable manner.  David Marantz plays Iago’s duality with a balance of charm and cunning that creates an aura of evil treachery.  Liz Livingston portrays Desdemona with grace and sincerity, which heightens the impact of the tragic ending.  Karla Hendrick is outstanding as Emilia.  You gain a visceral understanding of her marriage to Iago through her glances, tone, and physicality.  Her respect and care for Desdemona are genuine.  Bradford B. Frost portrayal of Cassio is honest and bold.  Jack Sochet, David Sitler, Kendra Lee Oberhauser, Kyle Maxwell, and Jake Lesh also deliver strong performances.

Photo courtesy fo The Drilling Company
& Bryant Park Shakespeare

Othello is playing at Bryant Park at 7:00 PM, Thursday through Saturday, September 5-7.   This is your last chance to enjoy FREE Summer Shakespeare.  After twenty-five years of producing outdoor Shakespeare in NYC, The Drilling Company is one of the best.  Make it a classic ending to your summer and go see it.

Domenick Danza

American Moore

American Moore

Red Bull Theater

Cherry Lane Theatre

August 29, 2019

Photo courtesy of Red Bull Theater

The Red Bull Theater production of American Moor offers a riveting perspective on Shakespeare’s character of Othello.  Although there are two roles in this show, it is pretty much a one-character play.  Director Kim Weild works closely with Lighting Designer, Alan C. Edwards and Sound Designer, Christian Frederickson to create quick and smooth transitions between the action and the formidable inner monologues, while keeping the focus sharp and the pace briskly moving forward.

Keith Hamilton Cobb
Photo courtesy of Red Bull Theater & Bay State Banner

An Actor (played by Keith Hamilton Cobb) is on stage alone, script in hand, preparing the role of Othello.  He is a black male, six feet four inches tall, with a commanding voice.  He tells of his love for Shakespeare, the passion of the words and the emotional depth of the characters.  The audition begins.  His first attempt at the monologue is focused and powerful.  The Director (played by Josh Tyson) gives a few notes.  The Actor is not comfortable with how this interpretation will reflect on the character of Othello.  Through a series of inner monologues, the Actor justifies his discomfort based on the evidence in Shakespeare’s text.  He expresses how, as a black man, he has a more visceral understanding of how Othello would handle that specific moment.  The Actor knows to keep this point of view to himself if he wants the job.  Will his hubris get the best of him, as it does Othello?

Keith Hamilton Cobb successfully portrays this character as charming and intelligent with a great sense of humor.  He is in command of every moment, every transition, and every delivery of the Shakespeare material.  He wears this character like a second skin, which makes sense because he is also the playwright.  His performance reflects his understanding of each layer in the skillful writing.  It is sharply structured and effectively crafted.  He makes strong and bold statements that hold lasting meaning and take time to process.

American Moor is playing at Cherry Lane Theatre through October 5.  Check it out.

Domenick Danza

Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice

Winter Garden Theatre

August 20, 2019

Photo courtesy of Beetlejuice

The Broadway production of Beetlejuice is wild, crazy, and over the top.  Director Alex Timbers pulls out all the stops.  The minute you walk into the Winter Garden Theatre you are drawn into a fun house atmosphere.  Music and lyrics by Eddie Perfect establish an environment and pace that keeps the audience captivated and engaged.  The choreography by Connor Gallagher is energetic and creative.  The scenic design by David Korins, costume design by William Ivey Long, and lighting design by Kenneth Posner brilliantly come together, making the show a visual feast that exceeds the highest expectation.

Rob McClure, Alex Brightman, & Kerry Butler
Photo courtesy of Beetlejuice

The show opens in a cemetery.  Lydia (played by Sophia Anne Caruso) is burying her mother.  Enter Beetlejuice (played by Alex Brightman), who lightens the mood by making it clear that the story we are about to see is “all about death.”  He needs to get a living person to say his name three times in order to achieve his quest, which is to be seen by the living.  He visits the home of Barbara (played by Kerry Butler) and Adam (played by Rob McClure).  They are about to die.  They will be able to see him as they pass over.  His plan is to trick them into helping him by getting them to haunt their house.  When the new owner, Charles (played by Adam Dannheisser) moves in with his daughter Lydia and their Life Coach, Delia (played by Leslie Kritzer), they all face one life and death encounter after another.

Leslie Kritzer & Adam Dannheisser
Photo courtesy of Beetlejuice

The only way to make this raucous story work is with a cast that can bring it to life and make it believable.  Every member of the cast rises to that challenge.  Alex Brightman is absolutely amazing in this role.  He is a vocal powerhouse, instantly switching tone and intention.  His comic timing is impeccable.  His energy is sharp and awe-inspiring.  Leslie Kritzer  also delivers a phenomenal performance.  Her timing and physicality are perfect.  Her range is amazing.

Beetlejuice is playing at the Winter Garden Theater.  If you’re looking for a fun time, this is the show to see. 

Domenick Danza