Poor Yella Rednecks

 Poor Yella Rednecks
Manhattan Theatre Club
New York City Center Stage I
November 24, 2023 

Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

The Manhattan Theatre Club production of Qui Nguyen’s Poor Yella Rednecks is outstanding.  Mr. Nguyen tells the story of his mother and father, and his growing up in a small town in Arkansas.  It is funny and touching, rough and sweet.  Mr. Nguyen’s storytelling style is unique.  He tells this personal story of struggle and hardship in a bold and colorful manner.  His rhythms and humor are fully engaging, pulling the audience into the deeper emotion of the story.     

Maureen Sebastian, Samantha Quan, Little Man,
& Jon Norman Schneider
Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

The playwright (played by Jon Norman Schneider) enters the stage and tells the audience he is getting ready to interview his mother.  He is going to write a play about when she met his father.  His mother, Tong (played by Maureen Sebastian) lays down the rules for the interview and what she expects from his play.  She transforms into a young woman, a refugee from Vietnam in the 1981.  She meets and falls in love with Quang (played by Ben Levin), who has a wife and two children in Vietnam.  He was a helicopter pilot during the war.  His wife thinks he is dead.  He and Tong decide to get married.  They live in El Dorado, Arkansas with Tong’s mother, Huong (played by Samantha Quan), who helps raise their son, Little Man (a puppet, manipulated and voiced by Jon Norman Schneider).  When Quang receives a letter from his wife in Vietnam, the guilt from abandoning his two children rises to the surface.  He sends them money without telling Tong, which breaks her trust.  This is only the beginning of their many ups and downs, including the fact that Little Man is having trouble speaking English and is bullied at school.

Maureen Sebastian & Ben Levin
Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

The cast is superb.  Maureen Sebastian and Ben Levin have great chemistry and create a genuine bond as Tong and Quang.  Samantha Quan is full of energy as Huong.  She not only delivers the laughs, but also renders a truthful and touching scene in Act II with her grandson, Little Man.  Jon Norman Schneider’s grounded presence keeps the whole story connected.  There are strong performances by Jon Hoche and Paco Tolson, who both play numerous roles.  

Mr. Nguyen tells a lot of the story through rap lyrics.  They enhance the plot and heighten emotional impact.  Director May Adrales has done a brilliant job bringing this play to the stage.  Scenic design by Tim Mackabee is bright and colorful.  It is full of surprises, as each piece turns around to reveal unexpected settings.  Choreography by William Carlos Angulo is fun and energetic.  Puppet design by David Valentine is wonderous and charming. 

Poor Yella Rednecks is playing at the New York City Center Stage I through December 3.  Don’t miss it! 

Domenick Danza

Waiting for Godot

 Waiting for Godot
Theatre for a New Audience
Polonsky Shakespeare Center
November 11, 2023 

Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

Theatre for a New Audience’s production of Waiting for Godot is dark, gritty, and haunting.  Under Arin Arbus’ direction, the poetry in Samuel Beckett’s writing emerges as the rhythms in the dialogue rise and play out between the characters.  Ms. Arbus creates honest moments of companionship and  comfort, as well as truthful instances of distress and suspense.  The cast delivers masterful performances, pulling the audience deeper and deeper into their endless waiting and mounting despair.

Estragon (played by Michael Shannon) and Vladimir (played by Paul Sparks) are waiting for Godot.  They know they are in the right location, by the tree.  Maybe it’s the wrong day.  How many days have they been there?  They think they see him coming, but it is Pozzo (played by Ajay Naidu) and his servant Lucky (played by Jeff Biehl).  Estagon and Vladimir pass the time with them, then Pozzo and Lucky leave.  A boy (played by Toussaint Francois Battiste) arrives with a message from Godot.  He will be there tomorrow. 

Michael Shannon & Paul Sparks
Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience.

Tomorrow arrives.  Estragon and Vladimir are waiting for Godot.  The tree has one new leaf.  Time is
passing.  Pozzo and Lucky return, but they are blind and dumb.  They do not recall having been there the day before, and neither does the boy when he returns with the same message from Godot.  Estragon and Vladimir debate what to do, then they wait. 

When you first enter the theatre, Michael Shannon is sitting on the stage as Estragon.  The theatre space fills with a strange quiet and heavy anticipation.  The waiting has already begun.  Time feels suspended through a lot of this production, giving the audience a visceral sense of one of Mr. Beckett’s themes in the piece.  There are also numerous biblical references connecting the characters and the waiting to a greater sense of existence. 

Jeff Biehl, Michael Shannon, Ajay Naidu, & Paul Sparks
Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

Paul Sparks and Michael Shannon are phenomenal together.  They have impeccable timing and a genuine bond that keeps the audience fully engaged.  Mr. Sparks’ Vladimir is highly physical, fidgeting and rapidly moving around the entire playing area, while Mr. Shannon’s Estragon is sedentary, weary, and unsteady on his feet.  

Ajay Naidu is energetic and antagonistic as Pozzo.  Jeff Biehl is discomfiting and mesmerizing as Lucky.  Their presence throws the rhythm and pace of the play into another realm.  All your attention goes to Toussaint Francois Battiste both times he enters as the boy.  Mr. Battiste embodies a different energy from the other characters.  He is the only one who has seen Godot.  He embodies a calm and certainty that the others are lacking. 

Samuel Beckett’s play has elusive and provocative existential and philosophical images and levels.  This production will engage you emotionally and leave you thinking.  Waiting for Godot is playing at Theare for a New Audience’s Polonsky Shakespeare Center through December 3. 

Domenick Danza

The Frogs

The Frogs
Master Voices
Lincoln Center’s Rose Hall
November 4, 2023 

Photo courtesy of Master Voices

The Frogs, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, was performed in concert by Master Voices at Lincoln Center’s Rose Hall.  It was a rare opportunity to experience this unique  musical theatre piece.  Based on the 405 BC comedy by Aristophanes, the book was adapted by Burt Shevelove in 1974.  It was revived by Lincoln Center in 2004, with additional music by Mr. Sondheim.  That production was directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman, with book revisions by Nathan Lane.  Mr. Lane introduced and narrated this concert presentation.  

Dionysos, the god of theatre and wine (played by Douglas Sills), realizes there is a desperate need for truth and humor in present day theatrical productions.  He takes his servant, Xanthias (played by Kevin Chamberlin), on a quest.  They travel to Hades to bring back George Bernard Shaw (played by Dylan Baker) to write new work.  While crossing the River Styx, Xanthias and Charon, the Boatman (played by Chuck Cooper), save Dionysos after he is captured by a group of frogs.  Upon arrival in Hades, they meet Plato (played by Peter Bartlett), who allows Shaw to leave for a short period of time.  They are all set to depart until Dionysos encounters a few other surprises that alter his original plan. 

This stellar cast and brilliant chorus presented this lesser-known Sondheim gem with skill and grace.  There were masterful and humorous performances by Douglas Sills, Kevin Chamberlin, Marc Kudisch, Chuck Cooper, Peter Bartlett, Dylan Baker, Jordan Donica, and Candice Corbin.  The choreography by Lainie Sakakura was creative and energizing.  Director/Conductor Ted Sperling delivered a stunning concert event. 

This presentation of The Frogs played for only one weekend (November 3 & 4).  Congratulations to Master Voices for making it memorable.  Check out their website for future concert performances (mastervoices.org).  They are sure to be valuable experiences.      

Domenick Danza

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