The Gardens of Anuncia

 The Gardens of Anuncia
Lincoln Center Theatre
at the Mitzi E. Newhouse
October 28, 2023 

Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theatre

The Gardens of Anuncia, a new musical by Michael John LaChiusa, tells  the story of the early years in the life of Broadway Director/Choreographer Graciela Daniele.  Directed and co-choreographed by Ms. Daniele, the Lincoln Center Theatre production is tender, sensitive, beautifully staged, and skillfully performed.

Anuncia (played by Priscilla Lopez) is working in her garden, trying to decide the best place to bury the ashes of her Tia.  Her mind is flooded with memories of her younger years in Argentina.  Her father left at an early age, and her Mami (played by Eden Espinosa) brought them to live with Granmama (played by Mary Testa) and Tia (played by Andréa Burns).  These three women raise Anuncia with firm hands, strong wills, and open hearts.  When Younger Anuncia (played by Kalyn West) experiences pain in her feet, Mami enrolls her in ballet class to strengthen her arches.  A whole new world opens for Anuncia.  Tia teaches her to listen to the music and see the stories.  Granmama keeps her grounded, yet responds to life with a high level of dramatics.  When Anuncia gets a job dancing in Europe, Mami is happy she will escape the violence caused by the end of the Peron regime.  Anuncia does not want to leave her home.  She still holds the hurt of her father’s abandonment.  It is Tia who convinces her to go.  Now that Tia is gone, Anuncia is the last of the strong women in her family.  She realizes how much these three women will always be with her.

Eden Espinosa, Kalyn West, Mary Testa, & Andréa Burns
Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theatre

Andréa Burns, Mary Testa, and Eden Espinosa are a powerful trio as Tia, Granmama, and Mami.  Their energies balance beautifully.  Their distinctive characters build as their backstories are revealed and the world of Anuncia’s upbringing becomes clear.  Priscilla Lopez and Kalyn West have a genuine bond as Older and Younger Anuncia.  Their movements often mirror one another.  They are physically and emotionally in sync throughout the story, giving us a visceral understanding of how the past is always present. 

There are also strong performances by Enrique Acevedo and Tally Sessions, who play all the male roles in the story.  Their Moustache Brothers are bold and funny.  Mr. Acevedo’s Granpapa is rough and heartwarming.  Mr. Sessions’ interpretation of The Deer is magical and humorous.  

Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theatre

As Anuncia relives and changes her memories, she comes to a surprising conclusion of what she takes with her and what she has to leave behind.  It is an ending that leaves the audience feeling peaceful and comforted.  

The Gardens of Anuncia is playing at Lincoln Center Theatre’s Mitzi E. Newhouse through December 31. 

Domenick Danza

Chasing Happy

 Chasing Happy
Pulse Theatre
Theatre Row
October 14, 2023 

Photo courtesy of Pulse Theatre
Chasing Happy

Chasing Happy is a light hearted comedy that delivers a valuable message about identity, recognition, and the need to be seen by your community.  Playwright Michel Wallerstein creates five characters, all of whom are struggling with self-acceptance due to aging, loss, or outward physical appearance.  They confront their fears and face their challenges head on.  Their resilience allows them to become visible as the independent individuals they crave to be.

We are in Provincetown, MA.  Nick (played by Spencer Aste) has a night of passionate sex with Brad, a bartender from a local nightspot (played by Schyler Conaway), and allows himself to believe he is falling in love.  Helen, Nick’s ex-wife (played by Jenny Bennett), shows up just as Brad is leaving.  She is there seeking support from Nick on a health issue, but enjoys poking fun at the difference between his and Brad’s ages.  When Rob, Brad’s live in boyfriend of three years (played by Christopher James Murray) pounds on the door seeking to pummel Nick, Helen charmingly comes to his rescue.  As soon as that drama is averted, Maria, Nick’s mother (played by Antoinette LaVecchia), visits from Florida, telling how she was abducted by aliens and lost her best friend, Rose.  Sparks fly as the interaction of these four characters continues to intertwine, until Rob uncovers a secret Nick has been keeping for ten years. 

This cast is charming and energetic, delivering truthful moments amidst the hilarity of the situation.  They all share a vibrant chemistry, which allows them to develop genuine relationships.  The second act holds a few surprising twists and turns, and this cast plays them smoothly and believably. 

If you are looking for some fun, this is the show to see.  Chasing Happy is playing at Theatre Row through November 11.  

Domenick Danza

Swing State

 Swing State
Minetta Lane Theatre
October 7, 2023 

Photo courtesy of Swing State

The Chicago Goodman Theatre’s production of Rebecca Gilman’s Swing State is now playing Off-Broadway at the Minetta Lane Theatre.  The play is skillfully crafted, exploring themes of trust and continuance, while addressing climate change and wildlife conservation.  It is a heartfelt story, masterfully directed by Robert Falls.

Peg (played by Mary Beth Fisher) owns a large acreage of prairieland in the Midwest.  She and her late husband dedicated their time to its preservation.  He has been dead for a year, and Peg has not been able to get past the grief.  She draws up a will, leaving the prairie to a not-for-profit foundation who will continue her and her late husband’s work.  She leave the house and the property surrounding it to Ryan (played by Bubba Weiler), who, since he was a boy, worked on the prairie with her and her husband.  When Peg finds a trunk of her late husband’s tools and his rifle missing from the barn, she calls Sheriff Kris (played by Kirsten Fitzgerald), who starts an investigation with her deputy, Dani (played by Anne E. Thompson).  Their primary suspect is Ryan, who has a previous felony conviction.  To protect him, Peg demands the investigation cease.  Sheriff Kris persists, which uncovers truths that none of them want to face. 

Bubba Weiler & Mary Beth Fisher
Photo courtesy of Swing State

The cast is excellent, creating truthful relationships that are vital to the telling of this story.  Mary Beth Fisher and Bubba Weiler have a genuine mother/son connection as Peg and Ryan, even though their characters are not blood related.  It is this bond that engages the audience and pushes the action forward.  It is honest and vibrant from the start of the play, and deepens as the plot progresses.  

Bubba Weiler also creates a truthful connection with Anne E. Thompson as Dani.  Their scene grows to the point of no return.  Their characters open and admit truths that propel the action to its climax.  Its pace shifts and quickens as the relationship flourishes.  It is magnificently written, skillfully directed, and beautifully performed. 

Anne E. Thompson, Kirsten Fitzgerald, & Mary Beth Fisher
Photo courtesy of Swing State

Kirsten Fitzgerald portrays Sheriff Kris with control, confidence, and determination.  She plays the antagonist throughout the story, pushing everyone’s buttons and sending all points of view in the opposite direction.  Without this the story would not progress successfully, and Ms. Fitgerald pulls it off beautifully.  

Ms. Gilman has written a stunning play.  She provides this skilled cast with a rich text and lush backstories to delve into, rendering them outstanding performances.  Director Robert Falls brings it all together in a striking and poignant production.  

Swing State has been extended through October 28.  Get a ticket before it closes. 

Domenick Danza

The Jester’s Wife

 The Jester’s Wife
Knowledge Workings Theater LLC
36^th Street Theatre
September 30, 2023 

Photo courtesy of Knowledge Workings Theater LLC

Knowledge Workings Theater LLC’s production of The Jester’s Wife is a “Dark Ages comedy” about survival, mythmaking, and a quest for truthful storytelling.  Written and directed by T.J. Elliott, this tale is authentic in style and antiquity.  It tells of St. Dymphna, a medieval Irish martyr “who is recognized as patron saint of the mentally ill and victim of incest.”  Although not the ideal topic for a comedy, Mr. Elliott creates light-hearted characters, rhythmic and funny dialogue, and perilous situations that bring humor to an otherwise dark topic and time period.

When the King of Ireland beheads his virgin daughter, Dymphna, the Jester (played by Steve Weatherbee) and his Wife (played by Emma Taylor Miller) flee for their lives.  They take refuge in a cave, and realize the need to tell the story of what happened to Dymphna in order to keep themselves from harm.  A deranged Stranger (played by Xander Jackson) enters the cave.  The Jester’s Wife mixes a potion to help him regain his senses.  The next morning the Stranger’s spell has passed, but he does not remember who he is.  He agrees to help the Jester and his Wife tell the story of Dymphna as a play to gain support from the populace.  As the Jester tells of how he disguised Dymphna to help her escape her fate, the Jester’s Wife argues that is more important to tell the truth of Dymphna’s struggle and sacrifice.  As they wrestle to find the best way to successfully tell the tale, the Stranger regains his memory. 

Steve Weatherbee & Emma Taylor Miller
Photo courtesy of Knowledge Workings Theater LLC

Steve Weatherbee and Emma Taylor Miller are an excellent pair as the Jester and his Wife.  Mr.
Weatherbee is limber and funny, telling riddles and creating limericks when the moment becomes grave.  Ms. Miller’s portrayal of the Jester’s Wife is the perfect foil to this jocular perspective.  She is serious about their situation and pushes the Jester to keep the telling of Dymphna’s cruel and brutal demise factual.  It is this juxtaposition of character that keeps the story engaging.

Steve Weatherbee & Xander Jackson
Photo courtesy of Knowledge Workings Theater LLC

Xander Jackson opens the show with a comical prologue.  He later peaks the audience’s interest when he enters the cave as the Stranger.  His comic timing further accelerates the action as his character gradually regains his memory.  The interplay of the three characters builds as they each work to achieve their individual objective in telling of the story of Dymphna.

Gloria Novi’s set creates an intriguing environment.  Her geometric design is visually stimulating, and creates levels and playing areas for the actors to explore.  The costumes by Elena Vannoni are colorful and imaginative, while holding true to the period. 

The Jester’s Wife is playing at 36^th Street Theatre (312 W. 36 St., NYC 10018) through October 8.

Domenick Danza

Purlie Victorious

 Purlie Victorious
 A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch
The Music Box
September 23, 2023 

Photo coourtesy of Purlie Victorious

The Broadway revival of Ossie Davis’s 1961 play, Purlie Victorious, is truly joyous.  Kenny Leon directs a stellar cast, with the right touch of style, melodrama, and grit that allows Ossie Davis’s writing to ring with truth, humor, and relevance.  

Purlie Victorious Judson (played by Leslie Odom, Jr.) searched for a young girl to pretend to be his deceased cousin so he could get a five hundred dollar inheritance that is being held by Ol’ Cap’n Cotchipee (played by Jay O. Sanders).  He finds Lutiebelle Gussie Mae Jenkins (played by Kara Young) on his travels through Alabama, and brings her back to Georgia.  Missy Judson (played by Heather Alicia Simms) thinks Lutiebelle will pass as their deceased cousin, but her husband, Gitlow (played by Bille Eugene Jones), needs some convincing.  They almost pull it off until Lutiebelle signs the wrong name on the papers.  Purlie is on the run for trying to swindle Ol’ Cap’n Cotchpie, but comes back in force to preserve Lutiebelle’s reputation.

Leslie Odom, Jr., & Kara Young
Photo courtesy of Purlie Victorious

Leslie Odom, Jr. and Kara Young are great together.  Mr. Odom is full of life as Purlie.  His vitality fills the stage and energizes all the characters to take action.  Ms. Young portrays Lutiebelle as an innocent, nervous girl who transforms into a determined young woman.  She is willing to open up and take a risk, all due to Purlie’s inspiration.  These two actors have a great chemistry, and keep the audience fully engaged in the action of the story. 

Heather Alicia Simms & Billy Eugene Jones
Photo courtesy of Purlie Victorious

Heather Alicia Simms and Billy Eugene Jones are a strong pair as Missy and Gitlow Judson.  Their relationship is full of fire, and their timing is fast and sharp.  Jay O. Sanders creates a wicked villain in the character of Ol’ Cap’n Cotchipee.  This role is played with a precise balance of humor and malice to keep it from being too dark.  There are also strong performances by Vanessa Bell Calloway as Idella Landy and Noah Robbins as Charlie Cotchipee.

This cast delivers a completely enjoyable experience of a gem of a play.  Purlie Victorious is playing at The Music Box.  Don’t miss it. 

  

Domenick Danza

One With the Current

 One With the Current

Fandango 4 Art House
36^th Street Studio Theatre
September 21, 2023

Photo courtesy of Fandango 4 Art House
 One With the Current

Daniel Damiano creates a unique and intriguing piece of theatre with his one character play, One With the Current.  We see the character’s open heart in the way he relates to his son and his best friend.  We empathize with his struggle to keep his business afloat through the pandemic.  We sense the uncomfortable change in his family structure as his daughter goes off to college and is affected by outside influences.  We viscerally experience the challenges, pressures, and disappointments that makes this man vulnerable… and willing to participate in the January 6 protest. 

Daniel Damiano as Cliff
Photo by Gerry Goodstein

The stage is delineated into four distinct settings.  When light comes up in each location, Cliff (played by Daniel Damiano) is speaking with someone different. In one area, he is fishing on the lake with his best friend, Roy, drinking beer, venting about work, and releasing stress.  In another area, he is fishing off a pier, bonding with his son while teaching him how to reel in his first catch.  We then find him at home, arguing with his wife about their daughter’s choice not to return from college during Christmas break.  This hurts him.  He feels powerless.  When we return to the scene where Cliff is fishing with Roy, he decides to attend a protest on January 6.  We know the outcome of that day, but, naturally, Cliff has no sense of the extreme possibilities.  All he feels in that moment is the desperation that motivates him to go to Washington DC with Roy to have his voice heard.           

Unlike most solo shows, the main character never addresses the audience directly.  We never hear Mr. Damiano tell a story.  We watch the character of Cliff in solo scenes with his best friend, his son, his wife, and his deceased father.  By making the creative choice of doing these scenes as monologues, as opposed to having other actors portray these characters, the audience is given a focused glimpse into the depth of the character.  They see a different side of him in each of these scenes.  He is an Everyman.  A husband, a father, a diligent worker.  He is also sensitive, forceful, tender, aggressive… and vulnerable.  Mr. Damiano’s masterful writing is exceeded only by his skillful portrayal of this character. 

Daniel Damiano as Cliff
Photo by Gerry Goodstein

In the course of this story, the audience comprehends the shattering of the American Dream, as middle class values becomes obsolete.  Cliff says, after the January 6 riot, that he was one of many “Americans who were disenfranchised.  At first it was all… but then it started to seem justified.”  He explains how he felt pulled into the events of that day, becoming “one with the current.”  Cliff tells a story about how fish gather strength when they swim together.  He was told by his father, and advised his son, to swim against the current to gain personal strength.  Cliff breaks that chain of advice through his actions on January 6.  He shatters both the promise he made to his father and the authority he has over his son.  This is his greatest loss.  At one point, Cliff states that “out of the weeds becomes a garden.”  He defines this as the American Dream.  We see in the final scene how he tries to rebuild his dream by establishing a truthful relationship with his son.  He starts by admitting how his actions reflect who he is.  He faces the consequences.  It is a powerful ending. 

No matter your political point of view, this is an important play to see.  Mr. Damiano explores the gray/human areas of what is a black and white issue for most people.  This play offers a perspective on the vulnerability of our time.  

One With the Current is playing at 36^th Street Studio Theatre (312 W. 36 St., 4^th Floor, NYC) through October 8.  It has a 70 minute running time.  Be sure to see it! 

Domenick Danza

Stupid F*cking Bird

 Stupid F*cking Bird
MCS Theatre
September 16, 2023 

Photo courtesy of Theatre 4the People

The Theatre 4the People production of Stupid F*cking Bird is well conceived, directed, and performed.  Written by Aaron Posner, the play is an adaptation of Chekhov’s The Seagull.  The characters are profoundly weighed down by darkness and despair, yet director Isaac Byrne keeps the action moving at a brisk pace.  He knows when to spike up the humor to keep the audience engaged.  The cast works as a tight ensemble, fully committed to Mr. Byrne’s vision for the play, and skillfully in sync with one another.

The play opens with Mash (played by Haley Rice) singing a sad song about how disappointing her life is.  Dev (played by Trevor Markanovic) tries to cheer her up, but fails.  He is in love with her, but she loves Connie (played by Conor M. Hamill), who loves Nina (played by Melissa Mattos), who is enamored by Trigorin (played by Jey Kennedy), who is sleeping with Connie’s mother, Emma (played by Nya Bowman).  Despair is met with betrayal, which creates deep misery.  Connie shoots a seagull, then tries to shoot himself.  On his sixtieth birthday, Connie’s uncle, Sorn (played by Timothy Wagner), who has been a doctor his whole life, questions the value of his existence.  It’s all, as Mash sings, very disappointing.  They all carry on, pushing through mommy issues and daddy issues, making things worse, then somehow a little better... or maybe not. 

Conor M. Hamill, Melissa Mattos, & Jey Kennedy
Photo courtesy of Theatre 4the People

This cast does an amazing job involving the audience in Mr. Posner’s absurd adaptation.  They play the despair with a sly tone that keeps everyone amused.  They take full advantage of Mr. Posner’s direct address to pull the audience into the story as an equal participant. 

Haley Rice and Trevor Markanovic have a genuine connection as Mash and Dev.  Their relationship shifts as the plot develops, propelling their characters to open up and grow.  This transition is seamless and natural for these two skilled actors.  Melissa Mattos’ Nina is a vibrant, outgoing soul.  The audience gladly follows her on her journey, even when it turns dark.  Nya Bowman and Jey Kennedy are evenly matched as Emma and Trigorin.  Their characters are equally self-centered, and deserve one another.  Emma demands to be the center of attention, and Ms. Bowman boldly achieves this with grace and elegance.  Conor M. Hamill plays the thoroughly self-absorbed Connie with just the right level of humor that creates a strong feeling of empathy.  You yearn for him to change his behavior and find happiness, and you feel for him when he fails.  Sorn is the one character who stays somewhat consistent and grounded throughout the story.  Timothy Wagner plays this character with calm presence.  

Melissa Mattos & Colin M. Hamill
Photo courtesy of Theatre 4the People

The production is very simply and effectively staged, which is a perfect choice for the space and the material.  The focus is placed fully on the characters, and this cast pulls it off beautifully.

Stupid F*cking Bird is playing through October 1 at the Matthew Corozin Studio (MCS) Theatre (357 W. 36 St. #202, NYC).  This company is worth keeping an eye on.  Be sure to check them out!       

Domenick Danza