Chain Theatre Winter One Act Festival

 Chain Theatre Winter One Act Festival
February 15, 2022
Program 1 – 6:00 PM
A Place for Us & For My Very Own 

Photo courtesy of Chain Theatre

Chain Theatre continues their Winter One Act Festival with riveting performance of new and unique plays.  The festival consists of nine different programs, including comedies, dramas, and musicals.  Each program is given four performance dates and one live stream date.  Program 1 showcases two strong pieces: A Place for Us, written and directed by Anthony M. Laura, and For My Very Own, written by Emma Lefkowitz and directed by Sarah De Baets.

In A Place for Us, playwright Anthony M. Laura explores alternate realities.  When Judith (played by Donna L. White) finds a bloody towel in her laundry basket, she questions her daughter, Hannah (played by Madison Murrah).  This adds to the already elevated level of stress between them, due to Judith’s infidelities.  Natalie, an unexpected visitor (played by Raina Silver) arrives, claiming she lives in their house.  Hannah befriends Natalie, against the strong warnings of her father, Vincent (played by Emerson A. Buchholz).  Natalie refuses to leave, and offers little detail to her life and history.  Even though her true identity remains a mystery, the family slowly begins to resolve their differences.

Photo courtesy of A Place for Us

Playwright Anthony M. Laura structured his play in short scenes.  This heightens the tension and mystery throughout the piece.  Each scene suspends the reality further, while grounding the characters in realistic actions.  It is the careful balance of this dichotomy that keeps the audience engaged, while continually questioning the levels of truth.  The final scene delivers a solid answer to Judith’s discovery of the bloody towel in the opening scene, yet opens the door to possibilities for Hannah’s continued journey. 

The cast fully commits to the realistic traits of their characters.  Their objectives are strong and clear, building genuine conflict.  This gives the audience a compelling story to follow, while the alternate realities unfold.  Madison Murrah effectively portrays Hannah as a confused and conflicted teenager.  Donna L. White builds an authentic mother relationship with her that is riddled with conflict.  Emerson A. Buchholz plays the father with humor and wisdom.  Raina Silver is enigmatic as the unexpected visitor.     

For My Very Own takes a humorous and effective look at white privilege.  Anne (played by Maya Kate Frueh) is looked over for a promotion at the Center, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to changing social policy.  She admits to her co-worker, Ines (played by Hannah Deale), that she is ready to sacrifice her white privilege to prove her dedication to making change.  She connects with Nora (played by Hadas Brown), who is starting a movement to adopt homeless people and place them in pods for support.  Anne takes her commitment too far, and ends up needing more help that she was ever able to offer in the first place. 

Playwright Emma Lefkowitz’s writing has a sharp wit and biting tongue, which serves her theme of white privilege very well.  Director Sarah De Baets guides this cast of skilled actors to deliver the powerful punch Ms. Lefkowitz’s play sets out to do.  Maya Kate Frueh plays the self-serving, righteous white woman with total conviction and bold humor.  Hannah Deale makes the side remarks that keep the far-fetched actions reality based.  Hadas Brown adds the intellectual, analytical point of view to the over the top actions.  Brian Mendoza plays a reporter who adds an outsider perspective to the story. 

Program 1 has one more showing on February 18 at 8:00 PM.  Go to the Chain Theatre website (www.chaintheatre.org) to get tickets for their final performance.  While there, check out the other one-act programs.  The festival runs through February 25 at 312 West 36 St. (4^th floor).  Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door.  The Winter One Act Festival continues to build Chain Theatre’s reputation for presenting quality theatre.  Don’t miss out.  Get a ticket today! 

Domenick Danza

The Music Man

Meredith Willson’s The Music Man

Winter Garden Theatre

February 9, 2022

Opening Night!

Photo Courtesy of The Music Man

The revival of Meredith Willson’s The Music Man opened on Broadway, spreading joy and delight to a full house at the Winter Garden Theatre.  Director Jerry Zaks did what he does best.  He took a Broadway classic, shined it up, injected it with life, and gave us a chance to look at it with fresh eyes.  Warren Carlyle’s choreography is exuberant.  It will get your heart beating faster.  The cast of forty-five skilled performers brilliantly works as one.  Their energy lifts the sprits and opens the hearts of every member of the audience.

When Professor Henry Hill (played by Hugh Jackman) gets off the train at River City, Iowa, his main goal is to swindle money out of the locals, then move on.  He sells marching band uniforms and instruments, with a promise to organize a boys band.  His plan is to get out of town as soon as the uniforms and instruments arrive, leaving them with no ability to play a single note.  One obstacle Professor Hill does not expect to face in River City is librarian and music teacher, Marion Paroo (played by Sutton Foster).  When Professor Hill’s connection with Marion’s younger brother, Winthrop (played by Benjamin Pajak), causes him to open up and start talking for the first time in two years, she realizes that, although Professor Hill does not intend to fulfill his promise to deliver a boys band, he does deliver on her dream. 

Hugh Jackman, Benjamin Pajak, & Sutton Foster
Photo courtesy of The Music Man

Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster are amazing together.  Sparks fly as their strengths play off one
another.  The tension and attraction never stops building.  Ms. Foster’s Marion is tough and stoic.  She does not go in for games or day dreaming.  As she looks at her brother changing when he is with Professor Hill, you can feel her heart open.  She does not lose her toughness when she allows herself to be charmed by the Professor.  She thinks through her plan and remains committed to her beliefs.  Mr. Jackman’s Harold Hill is shifty, cunning, and glib.  He is pure swindler, with charm and a golden tongue.  He has no doubt in his main objective, to take the locals for as much money as possible.  The moment it hits him that Marion sees more in him than he ever saw in himself is a genuine transformation.   

The entire cast is superb, building unique characters and creating a small, uptight town that allows themselves to blossom.  The orchestrations, by Jonathan Tunick, keep Meredith Willson’s score running full steam ahead from the minute the curtain goes up.  The dance numbers feature the younger cast members.  Their skills are astonishing.  Their energy is vibrant.  

Get a ticket for The Music Man and be prepared to have your spirits lifted! 

Domenick Danza

Chain Theatre Winter One Act Festival

Chain Theatre Winter One Act Festival

February 5, 2022

Program 2 – 5:00 PM

Amorality Play & Every Other Weekend

Program 5 – 8:00 PM

Stuck & Maybelle…Unfiltered

Photo courtesy of Chain Theatre

Chain Theatre kicked off its Winter One Act Festival on February 4.  The festival consists of nine different programs, including comedies, dramas, and musicals.  Each program is given four performance dates and one live stream date.  Program 2 (February 5 at 5:00 PM) includes Amorality Play by Laura Clare Browne and Lauren Dietzel, directed by Samantha Mushin, and Every Other Weekend written and directed by Joseph Sexton.  Program 5 (February 5 at 8:00 PM) includes Stuck, book & lyrics by Danielle Koenig, music by Julio Vaquero, directed by Irvin Mason, and Maybelle… Unfiltered written and directed by Horace Turnbull.  The opening weekend shows great promise for what is ahead, reaffirming the high quality of work you can expect from Chain Theatre.  

Program 1:

Laura Clare Browne and Lauren Dietzel’s Amorality Play is a present day take on the medieval morality play.  Some Dude (played by Seann Morgan) is visited by Death (played by Laura Clare Browne).  He has ten minutes to review the value of his life before she takes him.  Death allows him to consult with his Conscience (played by Anna Rudegair) and his Vice (played by Ethan Marble) before making his decision about spending eternity in heaven or hell.  Yes, it is his decision.  After reviewing his Virtues and Sins (played by Kaitlyn Rose Rabocse), he is unable to judge himself, so Death leaves it up to the audience to decide. 

Director Samantha Mushin uncovers the timing and humor embedded in Ms. Dietzel and Ms. Browne’s writing.  The cast delivers the laughs with enough punch to give the audience a chance to ponder the deeper message of the work. 

Every Other Weekend examines a woman’s right to choose.  Playwright Joseph Sexton directed his own work, taking his characters on a journey toward a clearer understanding of their situations and personal power. 

Melissa (played by Johnette Janney) is excited about her weekend trip with her friend Ellen (played by Sarah B. Denison).  When Melissa asks Ellen to pull the car over because she is feeling sick, Melissa knows something is up.  Ellen admits she is pregnant and not planning on going through with it.  Melissa is supportive, yet it is clear Ellen is uncertain about her decision.  Through the course of their car ride, Ellen talks through her choices and becomes stronger about the decision she needs to make.  

Ms. Denison and Ms. Janney are equally paired in these roles.   Their camaraderie is natural and motivates sincere discourse.  Mr. Sexton uses effective dramatic devices to reveal the inner thoughts of his characters, giving depth and heart to their development and journey. 

Program 5: 

Photo courtesy of Stuck &
Chain Theatre Winter One Act Festival

Stuck is a futuristic musical comedy.  Julio Vaquero’s score is fun and memorable.  Danielle Koenig’s book and lyrics are witty and engaging.  This is a promising creative team, well worth keeping an eye on. 

Paul (played by Sara James) has a simple and monotonous job.  It consists of pulling a lever, all day, every day.  Paul dreams of being a super hero, but isn’t.  While at work, Paul is visited by Mad Max Paul (played by Madison Wechsler), who is Paul from the future, returning to convince Paul to stop pulling the lever and push the button to save the world from a future of war and fear.  Just as Paul is about to push the button, Unlucky Paul (played by Jamie Shapiro) appears, who is Paul from the future after Mad Max Paul convinces Paul to push the button.  As the name reveals, Unlucky Paul’s life did not turn out so well, and has returned to convince Paul not to give in to Mad Max Paul’s pressure to push the button.  Save the world or save yourself?  What is Paul to do?

This 20-minute musical is quality work on every level.  Director Irvin Mason hits the ball out of the park.  The cast is excellent.  The humor is exaggerated.  The stakes are high.  The theme is strong. 

Maybelle… Unfiltered by Horace Turnbull takes place in 1977.  It follows Maybelle (played by Trena B. Real) as she takes calls during her late night radio show.  Maybelle listens to numerous callers (all played by Scout Ford and Aja Downing).  They reveal their problems, sorrows, and achievements.  Maybelle offers advice, sometimes firmly and sometimes with kindness.  The music is a soulful mix of 1970’s style tunes, all written and composed by Mr. Turnbull.  The cast captures the sound of the times with their lush and luxurious voices. 

Chain Theatre’s Winter One Act Festival is running through February 25 at 312 West 36 St. (4^th floor).  If this opening weekend is a sign of what’s ahead in this festival, it is sure to be an exciting month.  Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door.  Check out their website (www.chaintheatre.org) to choose a program and purchase tickets.  Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to experience fresh, upcoming voices in NYC theatre.  

Domenick Danza

Prayer for the French Republic

 Prayer for the French Republic
Manhattan Theatre Club
NY City Center Stage I
January 29, 2022 

Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

Joshua Harmon has raised the bar on excellence with his new play, Prayer for the French Republic.  The story tracks the lineage of a Jewish family in France to show how hatred and fear have been passed down through time.  His characters are victims of antisemitism and experience the political situations that cause such behavior.  The writing is multi-layered and inspired.  Large, vital themes sweep through the action, connecting the characters and relationships through the generations.  Director David Cromer keeps the action connected in this three hour play (don’t worry, it has two intermissions) that spans seventy-two years.  The skilled cast brings truthful dimension to Mr. Harmon’s compelling characters, emotionally motivating the audience to engage on their own personal journey toward awareness and self-reflection.

Francis Benhamou, Jeff Seymour, Yair Ben-Dor, & Betsy Aidem
Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

It is 2016 in Paris, France.  When Daniel (played by Yair Ben-Dor) is badly beaten on his way home from work, his mother, Marcelle (played by Betsy Aidem), blames it on his wearing his yarmulke in public.  This is not the first time this has occurred, and Marcelle believes Daniel’s wearing his yarmulke makes him a target.  His sister, Elodie (played by Francis Benhamou) holds very strong political ideals, and supports her brother on his convictions.  Daniel’s father, Charles (played by Jeff Seymour), starts to see how the aggression against Jews is accelerating in Paris, making it unsafe for his family to remain there.  He grows fearful, and decides he wants to move them to Israel. 

Nancy Robinette and Kenneth Tigar
Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

The time shifts to 1944.  We meet Irma and Adolphe Salomon (played by Nancy Robinette and Kenneth Tigar).  When a Nazi officer came to their apartment to arrest them, he was turned away by their doorman.  They safely remained in Paris throughout World War II.  Their son, Lucien (played by Ari Brand), escaped with his family to Poland, where they were arrested and placed in concentration camps.  He and his son, Pierre (played by Peyton Lusk), are the only surviving members of that family.  They return to Paris at the end of the war to unite with Irma and Adolphe.  Pierre is Marcelle’s father. 

Ari Brand, Kenneth Tigar, Nancy Robinette, & Peyton Lusk
Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

Mr. Harmon creates two important characters to keep the audience connected to this expansive story, which contains an intense amount of political information.  The character of Patrick, Marcelle’s brother (played by Richard Topol), acts as a narrator, providing detailed direct address on the lineage of the family and facts about the history of antisemitism.  Patrick is humorous in his direct address, yet antagonistic in his scenes with the family.  This is a well-balanced character, and Mr. Topol does him great justice.  Molly (played by Molly Ranson) is a distant American cousin of Marcelle.  While studying abroad in France, Marcelle invites Molly to her home in Paris to get acquainted.  Molly’s first visit is the same night Daniel is beaten.  The audience sees the brutality and political situation in Europe through her eyes.  As Molly injects herself into the struggles of this family, the audience is given the opportunity to do the same, with a shared, American point of view.  Molly is both naïve and educated, which is reflected in how her comments agitate the family’s conflicts.   

Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

The skillful way Mr. Harmon builds his characters and crafts his dialogue gives the audience opportunity for self-reflection.  Molly’s distance from her Jewish faith combined with Irma and Adolphe Salomon’s ability to silently stay under the Nazi’s radar give the audience pause to reflect on how we hide our true identities in order to survive.  Lucien’s unwillingness to share his experiences in Poland with his mother informs us as to how vital truths do not get passed down through the generations.  Within this family there is constant conflict, yet a resilient bond that keeps them united.  They pull strength from their ancestors, and gain purpose for moving forward toward survival.  The connection through the generations is profound.  This is brilliantly constructed and gives the audience a vital insight into the themes Mr. Harmon is communicating in this play.                          

The Manhattan Theatre Club production of Prayerfor the French Republic is stunning.  The cast is outstanding.  The play is simply brilliant.  It is playing at NY City Center Stage I through February 27.  Get a ticket right away!  

Domenick Danza

Intimate Apparel, A New Opera

 Intimate Apparel
A New Opera
Lincoln Center Theater
The Mitzie E. Newhouse
January 22, 2022 

Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

Lynn Nottage has collaborated with composer Ricky Ian Gordon on an opera version of her play, Intimate Apparel.  The Lincoln Center Theater production that was scheduled to open before the pandemic, is now running at the Mitzie E. Newhouse Theater.  Directed by Bartlett Sher, the production is simple and passionate.  The music and action flow from one scene to the next with sweeping momentum. 

Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

The year is 1905.  Esther (played by Kearstin Piper Brown) is an unmarried black woman who employs herself as a seamstress, making intimate apparel for a wide variety of customers.  She receives a letter from, George Armstrong (played by Justin Austin), a laborer working in Panama, digging the canal.  Esther cannot read or write, so she asks Mrs. Dickson, who runs the boardinghouse where she lives (played by Adrienne Danrich), to read the letter for her.  George is searching for companionship, and the son of Esther’s pastor recommended he write her.  Mrs. Dickson does not trust this letter.  Esther confides in one of her customers, Mrs. Van Buren (played by Naomi Louisa O’Connell), who boldly offers to reply to George’s letter.  The correspondence begins.  When Esther tells her friend and customer, Mayme (played by Krysty Swann), about her new suitor, she also volunteers to write letters for Esther.  Love builds over time, and George proposes marriage.  The wedding takes place the day of his arrival to New York.  Among the things they learn about one another is that neither of them was the author of their letters.

Kearstin Piper Brown & Justin Austin
Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

The strength of Lynn Nottage’s writing in her 2004 play Intimate Apparel is the relationships.  In writing the libretto for this opera, she delved deeply into this aspect of the story.  Ricky Ian Gordon’s music takes these relationships to another level, especially in the second act.  The tenderness between Mr. Marks, the Jewish merchant from whom Esther buys fabric (played by Arnold Livingston Geis), gradually intensifies as the action progresses.  When Esther realizes her true feelings for Mr. Marks, the musical theme floats through the action.  It is repeated by Mrs. Van Buren, when she realizes her feelings for Esther, and again by Mayme as she meets and starts an affair with a man she calls Songbird.  It is emotionally engaging and follows through on the connections established in Act I.  The music and dramatic action equally build as Esther realizes that Mayme’s Songbird is actually her husband George.  

Although the cast is larger than Ms. Nottage’s original play, this is an intimate production.  It is very well suited for the Mitzie E. Newhouse Theater.  The set, designed by Michael Yearger, is minimal, consisting mainly of a turn table that keeps the scenes continually connected.  The costumes, designed by Catherine Zuber, are richly detailed and beautifully establish the time period.  The cast is superb.   Their voices are magnificent.  The acting is truthful.  

Intimate Apparel, A New Opera is playing at Lincoln Center Theater through February 28.  Don’t miss it! 

Domenick Danza

Skeleton Crew

 Skeleton Crew
Manhattan Theatre Club
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
January 15, 2022 

Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

Dominique Morisseau’s Skeleton Crew tells a riveting, character driven story.  It is skillfully crafted with natural and engaging dialogue.  The action is full of conflict that builds to unexpected levels.  The Manhattan Theatre Club production is awe-inspiring.  Ruben Santiago-Hudson directed a stellar cast, who brings life and depth to Ms. Morisseau’s complex characters.

The Cast of Skeleton Crew
Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

The year is 2008.  Faye (played by Phylicia Rashad) is the union rep for the workers of a stamping factory in Detroit, Michigan.  She has worked there for twenty-nine years and knows everyone’s story.  Dez (played by Joshua Boone) is saving up to open an auto repair shop.  Shanita (played by Chanté Adams) is pregnant with her first child.  Reggie (played by Brandon J. Dirden) is the plant supervisor who started working the line fresh out of high school.  When Reggie confides in Faye that the plant is going to close down within the year, he asks her to keep the news to herself and help him negotiate a good severance package for the workers.  Everyone is expected to put in overtime and meet quota, and the stress builds as supplies and materials go missing.  Tempers flare when Dez refuses to undergo a mandatory search before leaving work.  Secrets are revealed, and Faye asks Reggie to step up for the workers.  When he does, Faye is forced to make a crucial decision to keep him from losing all he worked for.

Phylicia Rashad is solid and grounded as Faye.  She breaks the rules, yet has a strong sense of dignity and loyalty.  When the stakes are highest, Faye steps up and puts herself on the line.  Ms. Rashad plays this moment with heart and commitment.  In this crucial moment, the character’s true nature blossoms, and Ms. Rashad soars.   

Dominque Morisseau & Ruben Santiago-Hudson
Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

Brandon J. Dirden truthfully creates a conscientious and fair-minded factory supervisor in his character of Reggie.  As the action builds, so does his heightened state of stress.  Mr. Dirden’s connection with Ms. Rashad’s character is direct and genuine, and vital to the dramatic impact of the story.  Together they bring the action of the story to a stunning climax.

Joshua Boone and Chanté Adams have a strong chemistry as Dez and Shanita.  Their characters are at odds with one another throughout the play.  Mr. Boone portrays Dez with a rough, street-wise exterior, which slyly masks his sincerity and sense of hope.  Ms. Adams plays the optimistic Shanita with a low tolerance for games.  These two skilled actors create characters driven by a common need.  They bring a sense of continuity and endurance to the ending of the play. 

The scenic design by Michael Carnahan illustrates the degradation of Detroit in 2008.  The design extends outside the proscenium, reveling support beams and broken plaster.  It is further enhanced with vibrant projection designs my Nicholas Hussong.  Adesola Osakalumi performs his own choreography during the scene breaks, creating a sense of urgency in the need of the people of Detroit and the workers in the factory. 

Skeleton Crew is playing at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre through April 30.  Don’t miss this stunning production of Dominique Morisseau’s riveting play. 

Domenick Danza

Wit

 Wit
The Seeing Place Theater
Paradise Factory
January 2, 2022 

Photo courtesy of The Seeing Place Theater

The Seeing Place Theater production of Margaret Edson’s Pulitzer Prize winning Play Wit is now playing at Paradise Factory in the East Village.  Brynn Asha Walker skillfully directed this production with a clear comprehension of Ms. Edson’s intention.  The audience experiences the sever, experimental cancer treatment the main character undergoes, allowing them to walk away with a new perspective.  Erin Cronican takes on this tough leading character with grace and integrity.

Dr. Vivian Bearing (played by Erin Cronican), a professor of English and expert on the metaphysical sonnets of John Donne, receives a diagnosis of stage four ovarian cancer.  Under the advice of her doctor (played by Brynn Asha Walker, u.s.), she immediately begins an intense, experimental chemotherapy treatment.  One of her attending physicians, Dr. Jason Posner (played by Robin Friend), is a former student.  He recognizes her immediately, and speaks highly of her proficiency and discipline.  Vivian has only known the grueling and determined work required in her area of study, and has been diligent in living by it and impressing it upon her students.  She is reminded of when she refused to give Jason an extension on his paper.  The fact that he received a grade lower that he hoped for in her class still weighs on his mind.  Vivian’s unwavering focus and dedication stems from the discipline she learned from her mentor, Professor E.M. Ashford (played by Janice Hall).  As Vivian comes to the realization of the need for kindness, she allows herself to lean on her attending nurse, Susie Monahan, (played by Brynn Asha Walker). 

Erin Cronican as Dr. Vivian Bearing
Photo courtesy of Russ Rowland

There is an urgency in this play, as expressed by the main character in the opening monologue.  She states that she has only two hours to live.  She needs to come to terms with this, and does so by analyzing her life in the same way she solves the mysteries of the poems of John Donne.  Because of this approach, Dr. Vivian Bearing is a very challenging role.  She is highly intellectual and emotional detached, yet must be sympathetic to the audience.  Erin Cronican takes time to portray the vulnerability of this character.  She exposes Vivian’s thought process, allowing the audience to get inside her head and understand what makes her tick.  Ms. Cronican makes insightful choices that allow the audience to empathize with Vivian.  They are on her side, rooting for her well-being.  Without this, the valuable message in Ms. Edson’s play would be missed.

Erin Cronican & Brynn Asha Walker
Photo courtesy of Russ Rowland

This cast plays the irony of numerous moments during the story, which brings out the humor in the writing.  Although not comical, this humor gives the audience a chance to relieve the tension that builds throughout the action.  Director Brynn Asha Walker guides the cast in finding these important moments, which keep the play moving at its required pace and the audience’s attention consistently engaged.

With the exception of Ms. Cronican, the cast plays more than one role, covering for one other in case of Covid related absences.  Janice Hall plays Professor E.M. Ashford with diligent focus.  Robin Friend is clinical and impersonal as Dr. Jason Posner.  Brynn Asha Walker portrays Susie Monahan with heart and knowledge.  

The Seeing Place Theater production of Wit is running at Paradise Factory (64 E. 4^th St.) through January 16.  Although the theater is small, much attention is given to keeping the space safe for the audience.  Don’t miss Erin Cronican’s riveting performance.  

Domenick Danza