Days of Wine & Roses

 Days of Wine & Roses
The Musical
Studio 54
January 25, 2024 

Photo courtesy of Days of Wine & Roses

Days of Wine & Roses tells the tragic story of a married couple fighting alcoholism.  The book by Craig Lucas is compact and effective.  The music and lyrics by Adam Guettel are captivating.  The score pulls you into the downward spiral of the characters.  It offers moments for both characters to discover and reveal the cause of their pain, as well as revel in moments of clarity and hope.  Under the direction of Michael Greif, Kelli O’Hara and Brian d’Arcy James deliver breathtaking performances.

Kristen Arnesen (played by Kelli O’Hara) meets Joe Clay (played by Brian d’Arcy James) at a work function.  He is in public relations, and she is his boss’s secretary.  His is drinking heavily, and she is reading.  She tells him that she does not like the taste of alcohol and that her weakness is chocolate.  He orders her a Brandy Alexander, which she drinks quickly as they open up about their childhoods.  A few weeks later, they are celebrating Joe’s promotion with champagne, Johnny Walker, and margaritas.  After they elope, Kristen takes Joe to meet her father (played by Byron Jennings).  He immediately dislikes Joe.  Kristen stops drinking when she has a baby, but is lured back by Joe’s desperation.  Their emotional need is only fulfilled when they are both drinking.  It is their magic place.  Their life begins to crumble.  Kristen abandons Joe and their daughter to stay with her father.  Their time apart is focused on healing and forgiving.  They long to be together as a family, yet the road to recovery is rough. 

Brian d'Arcy James & Kelli O'Hara
Photo courtesy of Days of Wine & Roses

The story is dark and heavy.  The highs of the drunken scenes feel risky and dangerous.  Each character has the ability to manipulate the other and pull them down just as they are getting themselves together.  That is the tragedy of the piece, and Kelli O’Hara and Brian d’Arcy James are so viscerally connected that these moments are real and tangible.  You feel for both of them throughout the story.  You hope they will not succumb to the temptation, yet you gain a true understanding of the depth and severity of their disease.

The skillfully crafted book, lyrics, and score is matched by the masterful performances, yet this is not an easy subject matter to sit through.  It is a beautiful production of a heartbreaking story.  Days of Wine & Roses is playing at Studio 54. 

Domenick Danza

Jonah

 Jonah
Roundabout at Laura Pels Theatre
Harold & Miriam Stenberg Center for Theatre
January 20, 2024 

Photo courtesy of
Roundabout Theatre Company

The Roundabout Theatre Company production of Jonah is mesmerizing.  Playwright Rachel Bonds has skillfully crafted this piece to keep her audience fully engaged.  Each scene takes the characters through vital experiences that shape them, scar them, and propel them forward.  It is through the linking of these events that a tender story evolves.  Director Danya Taymor works with a phenomenal cast to convey this story clearly and truthfully. 

Anna (played by Gabby Beans) meets Jonah (played by Hagan Oliveras) outside her dorm room one night.  He follows her.  He waits for her.  Their connection is visceral and mutual.  We later meet Danny (played by Samuel Henry Levine), Ana’s step-brother.  After Ana’s mother passes away, Danny protects her from his father, but never comes to terms with the abuse he experienced.  When Ana meets Steven (played by Jon Zdrojeski) years later at a writers’ retreat, she faces her past, the harm inflicted upon her by Danny, and the joy and intimacy she only dreamed about with Jonah. 

Photo courtesy of
Roundabout Theatre Company

Gabby Beans is remarkable as Ana.  Her character shifts in age from scene to scene, and Ms. Beans fully embodies each phase of this character’s experiences.  She portrays different aspects of Ana in the way she relates to the three male characters in the story.  All are genuine and grounded relationships.  There is an innocence shared between her and Hagar Oliveras’ Jonah, a strong bond, based on fear and need, between her and Samuel Henry Levine’s Danny, and a vulnerability that connects her to John Zdrojeski’s Steven.  These relationship are powerful, and the performances are riveting. 

It is in the final moment of the play that everything pulls together.  It is satisfying and healing.  It is a beautifully written moment, succinctly directed, and perfectly performed.  

Jonah is playing at the Laura Pels Theatre through March 10.  Don’t miss it!  

Domenick Danza

The Night of the Iguana

 The Night of the Iguana
La Femme Theatre Productions
The Pershing Square Signature Center
December 30, 2023 

Photo courtesy of
La Femme Theatre Productions

The La Femme Theatre Productions’ presentation of Tennessee Williams’ The Night of the Iguana is riveting.  Director Emily Mann has gathered a stellar cast and masterfully guided them through Mr. Williams’ poetic writing.  The characters are viscerally portrayed, desperately in need, and grasping at whatever life-line they can find.  Set design by Beowulf Boritt and lighting design by Jeff Croiter create a sultry atmosphere for this deeply complex journey.

Reverend T. Lawrence Shannon (played by Tim Daly) is guiding a bus tour of women from a Texan Christian University through Mexico.  He takes a detour to Hotel Costa Verde, looking for his friend Fred.  Upon his arrival, Fred’s wife, Maxine (played by Daphne Rubin-Vega) informs him that Fred recently died.  Maxine immediately sees that Shannon is having a break down, something she nursed him through in the past.  He was asked to leave his position in the church after preaching an inappropriate sermon and having relations with an under-aged member of his congregation.  Shannon is repeating this pattern of behavior on his bus tour.  Judith Fellows (played by Lea DeLaria) is bringing him up on statutory rape charges after he spent the night with Charlotte Goodall (played by Carmen Berkeley), an under-aged member of the bus tour who she is chaperoning.  While trying to convince the tour patrons to stay at Hotel Costa Verde instead of the more modern downtown hotel, Hannah Jelkes (played by understudy Dee Pelletier) arrives with her grandfather, Jonathan Coffin (played by Austin Pendleton).  Shannon takes Hannah’s side and convinces Maxine to give them a room, even though they are short on funds.  As Shannon’s anxiety reaches a breaking point, Hannah is the one who leads him to redemption.  

Daphne Rubin-Vega & Tim Daly
Photo courtesy of La Femme Theatre Productions

Tim Daly portrays the flawed Reverend Shannon with grit, guts, and stubbornness.  His actions are
aggressively motivated by hurt and damage.  He is a victim of his own self-indulgence, running from the cause of his pain and allowing the symptoms to rule his behavior.  Dee Pelletier (understudy) is grounded as Hannah.  She and Mr. Daly have a truthful connection, which allows to story line to build to a stunning conclusion.  Ms. Pelletier skillfully delivers genuine moments in the final scene that allow Mr. Daly’s character to open, calm, and make a choice.           

Daphne Rubin-Vega is sensual and tempestuous as Maxine.  Her jealousy over the attention Shannon gives to Hannah is palpable.  She is a powerful adversary to Ms. Pelletier’s Hannah.  There are also strong performance by Lea DeLaria, Carmen Berkeley, and Austin Pendleton. 

The Night of the Iguana is playing at the Pershing Square Signature Center through February 25.  This Tennessee Williams classic is rarely revived, and this production is well worth seeing. 

Domenick Danza

Make Me Gorgeous!

 Make Me Gorgeous!
Playhouse 46 at St. Luke’s
December 23, 2023 

Make me Gorgeous! is a stunningly engaging telling of the life story of Kenneth Marlow.  Written and directed by Donnie, this one person performance piece moves at a remarkable pace.  Wade McCollum portrays Kenneth with exquisite grace and style.  He also portrays a number of people Kenneth meets on his fascinating journey.  They are all crisp and colorful characters, grounded in truth, and showcase Mr. McCollum’s wide range of skills. 

As a young boy growing up in Iowa, Kenneth enjoys dressing up in girl’s clothing.  His mother  and grandmother encourage him.  As Kenneth enters high school and his mother’s drinking becomes more sever, Kenneth discovers his sexuality.  When his father leaves them, he finds the church.  His journey continues to California, where he turns tricks, gets a sugar daddy, and goes to hairdressing school.  His life as a female impersonator begins in Chicago, when one night he jokingly dances on the bar while he is working.  He runs from the mob, and lands in New Orleans.  It is there he reconnects with his mother.  He later becomes the hairdresser to the stars, gets drafted into the army, and discovers his voice as a writer.  He decides to have a sex change operation, and transitions to become Kate Marlow.

Mr. McCollum portrays Kenneth with optimism, charm, and a zest for life.  His performance is absorbing and enchanting.  There are only a few days left to see this truly fabulous performance.  Make Me Gorgeous! is playing at Playhouse 46 at St. Luke’s through December 31.  

Domenick Danza

All the Devils Are Here

 All the Devils Are Here
How Shakespeare Invented the Villain
DR 2 (Daryl Roth) Theatre
December 16, 2023 

Photo courtesy of All the Devils Are Here

In his one-person show, All the Devils Are Here, Patrick Page reaches deep into your soul and takes you on a journey to understanding the evil that lurks within.  He analyzes the development of William Shakespeare’s plays, as reflected in the evolution of his dark, villainous characters.  Director Simon Godwin collaborates with Mr. Page to fully embody these multidimensional, psychologically complex characters, who are driven by revenge, greed, ambition, and fear.

Mr. Page tells the story of the progression of Shakespeare’s philosophy and the evolution of his skills as a playwright and artist.  He takes a chronological looks at Shakespeare’s work, focusing on the villain characters to illustrate the growth and change in Shakespeare’s understanding of human nature.  He performs monologues, and sometimes scenes, from Hamlet, The Merchant of Venice, Othello, Macbeth, The Tempest, Richard III, and Twelfth Night.  His interpretation of these evil characters proves the thesis he claims in his narrative.  We feel Shylock’s thirst for revenge.  We grasp Richard III’s acceptance of his dark nature and aspiration of supremacy.  We witness Iago’s sociopathic manipulation.  We laugh at Malvolio’s pompous desire for power.  We sympathize with Claudius in his moment of prayer.  We follow Macbeth’s decision to commit the heinous act that severely alters the trajectory of his life.  We appreciate Prospero’s release of vengeance and acceptance of forgiveness.  This all exemplifies how William Shakespeare invented the villain by making them three dimensional, identifiable, and empathetic.  

Patrick Page
Photo courtesy of All the Devils Are Here

Mr. Page’s knowledge of Shakespeare’s canon of plays and the context in which his characters take action is expansive and admirable.  His skill in focusing this expertise to create truthful moments of passion is truly mesmerizing.  

All the Devils Are Here is playing at the DR2 Theatre through February 25.  It is an inspiring piece of theatre.  Get a ticket right away! 

Domenick Danza

Spamalot

 Spamalot
St. James Theatre
December 2, 2023 

Photo courtesy of Spamalot

The Broadway revival of Monty Python’s Spamalot is over the top fun!  Director/choreographer Josh Rhodes has a strong handle on the material, keeping the pace moving quickly and the physicality precisely timed.  The scenic and projection design by Paul Tate de Poo III is brilliantly conceived and meticulously accomplished.  The cast works as a tight ensemble, delivering high energy performances with flawless consistency in humor and style.  

King Arthur (played by understudy Graham Stevens) is in search of knights for his round table.  He first meets Dennis Galahad (played by Nik Walker), who questions Arthur’s authority.  Arthur tells him of when he met the Lady of the Lake (played by Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer), received Excalibur, and took his rightful place as King of England.  Dennis is convinced, and knighted Sir Galahad.  Robin (played by Michael Urie) is interested in joining King Arthur’s round table, but is leery of the fighting it requires.  Lancelot (played by Taran Killam) guides him, and they both become knights.  With the addition of Sir Bedevere (played by Jimmy Smagula) the band of knights is complete.  When Arthur has an inspired vision, he and his knights set out on a quest to find the holy grail.  The journey is rough, full of surprises and challenges.  Arthur and his knights are forced to dig deep and find their truths.  

King Arthur & his band of knights
Photo courtesy of Spamalot

Graham Stevens (understudy) is commanding as King Arthur, gallantly leading his knights on their quest.  Michael Urie is witty and charming as Sir Robert.  His comic timing is impeccable.  Taran Killam is fearless and funny as Sir Lancelot.  His comic ability ranges from subtle humor to over the top bawdy.  Nik Walker is strong and bold as Sir Galahad.  He also plays the Black Knight and Prince Herbert’s Father.  All these roles are fierce and menacing.  Leslie Rodriquez Kritzer is alluring as the Lady of the Lake.  She is a vocal powerhouse.  

The Lady of the Lake
Photo courtesy of Spamalot

Ethan Slater plays numerous roles.  He keeps the narrative connected as the Historian.  The physicality of his character Not Dead Fred is perfect.  His portrayal of Prince Herbert is clever, sharp, and allows the plot to take an unexpected turn.  Christopher Fitzgerald is hysterical as Patsy, King Arthur’s side kick.  His presence is steady, and his physicality is brilliant.

If you want a boisterous good time, go see Spamalot at the St. James Theatre.  It will leave you feeling uplifted and positive, a feeling that can benefit us all. 

Domenick Danza

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