Lempicka

 Lempicka
Longacre Theatre
March 30, 2024 

Photo courtesy of Lempicka

Tamara de Lempicka is a world renown artist, whose paintings define the Art Deco period.  Her work and life flourished between World War I and World War II in Paris.  The new Broadway musical, Lempicka,  celebrates her unique style, and tells the story of her life and loves during that time period.  The score by Carson Kreitzer is bold and daring.  The music soars through the Longacre Theare, amazingly performed by this outstanding cast.  

We first meet Tamara de Lempicka (played by Eden Espinosa) in the 1970s in Los Angeles.  She is an older, eccentric woman, sitting on a park bench, painting, and contemplating the journey of her life.  We travel back with her sixty years, to her wedding day in Russia.  She marries Tadeusz Lempicki (played by Andrew Samonsky).  When the Russian Revolution begins, her husband, a Polish royal, is taken prisoner.  She gives herself to a Russian officer in order to get her husband released.  They flee to Paris with their baby daughter.  In Paris, Tamara returns to painting, something she did less of after she married.  Her work catches the eye of the Baron and Baroness (played by Nathaniel Stampley and Beth Leavel), who recommend she study under Marinetti (played by George Abud).  She immerses herself in her studies, and desperately tries to earn money selling her paintings.  When she meets Rafaela (played by Amber Iman), Tamara is immediately attracted to her.  She asks to paint her portrait.  It is with this nude painting that Tamara discovers her own style, which brings her great success in Paris.  Her affair with Rafaela, though known by her friends and husband, is kept very secret.  As Tamara’s fame rises, so does the power of the Nazi Party.  Her husband returns to Poland, and Tamara, being Jewish, flees to the United States with her daughter and the Baron.  

Eden Espinosa as Tamara de Lempicka
Photo courtesy of Lempicka

The production is sharp and stylistic, reflecting the unique and bold style of Lempicka’s Art Deco
masterpieces.  Although focusing on the two loves in Lempicka’s life, the story covers decades of time.  There is chaos and political upheaval, as well as social and artistic evolution, yet the story is told clearly and succinctly. 

Beth Leavel & Nathaniel Stampley
Photo courtesy of Lempicka

In Act II, Beth Leavel delivers an emotionally impactful solo.  The Baroness comes to Tamara to have her portrait painted.  The Baroness has been informed that she has a very short time left to live.  She wants her husband to remember her as she is, strong and full of life.  These are the qualities the Baroness sees in Tamara’s work, and she trusts Tamara to capture what she wants her husband to remember.  The Baroness admits that her husband is in  love with Tamara.  She makes Tamara promise to help her husband, who is also Jewish, escape the Nazis.

Before her death in 1980, Tamara de Lempicka’s paintings were recovered and put on auction in the United States.  They brought in millions, and re-establish her reputation.  Her work transformed the way women were viewed in society.  This musical documents her struggle, both personal and as an artist, to achieve her vision and make a name for herself.  

Domenick Danza

Appropriate

 Appropriate
Belasco Theatre
March 28, 2024 

Photo courtesy of Appropriate

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Appropriate is a phenomenal piece of theatre.  The focus of the story is a highly dysfunctional family facing their truths.  The deeper theme of inescapable heritage that underlines the action is highly impactful.  Director Lila Neugebauer boldly guides this cast through a roller coaster of emotion with truthful high points that trigger a downfall into fear and denial.  These characters are real and identifiable.  Their needs are viscerally understood.  Their desperation is palpable. 

The year is 2011.  Franz (played by Michael Esper) climbs through the window of his recently deceased father’s plantation home in Arkansas with his girlfriend, River (played by Ella Beatty).  They don’t think anyone is there, however, Franz’s sister, Toni (played by Sarah Paulson), and her son, Rhys (played by Graham Campbell), arrived a few days earlier to get ready for the estate sale.  Toni is not happy to see Franz, who has changed his name from Frank.  They have not seen one another in ten years.  No one was able to contact Franz/Frank to inform him of his father’s death, so Toni is very suspicious of his presence.  When their brother, Bo (played by Corey Stoll), arrives the next morning with his family, River pushes Franz to do what he came to do.  As part of his recovery, he needs to make amends to Bo and Toni.  Toni will have no part of it, yet Bo is open to forgiving and moving on.  Bo’s young son, Aisley (played by Lincoln Cohen), finds a photo album while helping to clean out his grandfather’s study.  When Bo’s wife, Rachel (played by Natalie Gold), looks closely at the photos, she is shocked.  A box of souvenirs is discovered in the study that provides serious evidence to a deep family secret. 

Michael Esper, Corey Stoll, & Sarah Paulson
Photo courtesy od Appropriate

Sarah Paulson is a firestorm as Toni.  Her resentment and pain fuel the action for the duration of the story.  She is equally matched by Corey Stoll, Natalie Gold, and Michael Esper.  They brilliantly portray a genuine, deep seeded family dynamic.       

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins has crafted a play with numerous, rich layers.  While the characters are in the middle of heightened sibling conflict brought on by the grief of their father’s recent passing and the stress of settling a large estate in high debt, they discover a horrifying truth in their heritage.  They don’t know how to handle it, so they continue to blame and fight.  It is their only outlet.  This action accelerates to the point of no return, and they wonder where all the hate and aggression comes from.  No matter how much they try to deny it or cut themselves off, they cannot escape their inheritance.  It is fully evident in their dialogue and behavior.  When they leave, it is clear they will most likely never see one another again, yet the plantation house is another story.  Time quickly moves forward to 2024, and the abandoned house still stands, festering in that energy that will survive them all. 

Photo courtesy of Appropriate

Appropriate was originally produced by Second Stage Theater, and had a successful run at the Hayes Theatre.  It is now playing at the Belasco Theatre through June 23.  It is a MUST SEE!

 

Domenick Danza

12 Angry Men

 12 Angry Men
City Gate Productions
The Stone Circle Theatre
March 1, 2024 

Photo courtesy of City Gate Productions

City Gate Productions was founded in December, 2021 with the main purpose of presenting quality theatre experiences around the borough of Queens.  The company travels to different locations, scouting out spaces that meet the specific feeling and environment for their upcoming shows.  The venue for their present production of 12 Angry Men is Stone Circle Theatre (59-14 70^th Ave., Ridgewood, NY 11385).  The play is presented in the round. Director Cathy Chimenti skillfully builds the tension in this classic courtroom drama, keeping the audience emotionally and intellectually engaged.  The cast creates distinct, headstrong characters, who discover the true concept of reasonable doubt. 

James Brautigam & Frank DiSpigno
Photo courtesy of City Gate Productions

As twelve men enter the jury room, you hear mention that their deliberations will not take very long.  It sounds like a cut and dry case.  Guilty as charged.  Juror #7 (played by Daniel Wolfe Mitnik) has theatre tickets, and wants to get out of there.  Juror #10 (played by Frank DiSpigno) is certain of his guilty vote, as are most of the other men.  There is one hold out.  Juror #8 (played by Max Bank) has reasonable doubt.  He requests a discussion before voting on the fate of the young man on trial.  The foreman (played by Joe Dujmic) leads the deliberation, then takes the vote.  Juror #9 (played by Bill McAndrews) is influenced by the reasoning of Juror #8, and votes not guilty.  Juror #3 (played by Robert Budnick) bullies him for being swayed.  This adds more doubt to the discourse, which extends the deliberation.  The more the men talk, the stronger their doubts become.  They re-enact parts of the crime.  The findings are surprising.    

Francis MacCall, Marco Malgioglio, & Joe Dujmic
Photo courtesy of City Gate Productions

The entire cast is excellent.  They are fully in sync with one another, creating heightened moments of frustration and aggression.  The arguments rise out of genuine concern for wanting to uncover the truth.  Robert Budnick (Juror #3) does not let up with the pushing and bullying, yet Max Bank (Juror #8) does not back down.  They are evenly matched.  The variation in their approach and tactics keeps the conflict polarized and realistic.  Bart Blachnio brings reason and intellect to the table as Juror #4.  He is fair and evenly tempered, allowing everyone’s voice to be heard.  This is why his changed vote carries so much weight.  Bill McAndrews is wise and calm as Juror #9.  Frank DiSpigno’s outburst as Juror #10 is shocking and impactful.

Photo courtesy of City Gate Productions

The play takes place in 1953, on a hot summer day in NYC with no air conditioning.  It offers a keen insight into the mindset of mid-century America.  Our shortcomings, prejudices, and judgments are blatantly clear.  This production is an interesting opportunity to assess how we, as a society, have and have not progressed over the past seventy years.   

City Gate Productions is a company worth keeping an eye on.  12 Angry Men is playing through March 10.  Take the M train to Queens, and check it out.  It is well worth the trip!  

Domenick Danza

The Seven Year Disappear

 The Seven Year Disappear
The New Group
Pershing Square Signature Center
The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre
February 24, 2024 

Photo courtesy of The New Group

Jordan Seavey’s The Seven Year Disappear is mind blowing.  The New Group production is masterfully conceived.  Director Scott Elliott found a style and pace for the play that viscerally conveys the nature of the relationship of the two main characters.  The ending delivers an unexpected satisfaction that leaves the audience in a state of amazement.

Miriam (played by Cynthia Nixon) is a performance artist.  She is managed by her son, Naphtali (played by Taylor Trensch).  He just got her a commission from MoMA.  She is thrilled, and gets to work right away.  Miriam disappears the day of the MoMA announcement.  Naphtali is in a state of panic.  He starts drinking again.  He hires an investigator.  He turns to his mother’s previous manager, Wolfgang, who has not heard from her.  Naphtali realizes the disappearance is all part of Miriam’s new piece.  He turns his back on the art world, and starts working on Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign.  Seven years later, as he is getting his life together, Miriam returns, expecting Naphtali to be part of the final phase of her seven year project. 

Photo courtesy of The New Group

Cynthia Nixon and Taylor Trensch deliver fascinating performances.  In addition to Miriam, Ms. Nixon plays numerous roles (Wolfgang and other friends and connections of Naphtali).  Her transitions are seamless.  The style in which it is written demands you listen carefully in order to find out who these characters are and how they relate to Naphtali and the disappearance of his mother.  Ms. Nixon is bold, daring, and commanding in each of these roles.  She grabs your attention, spikes your curiosity, and lures you into the journey.  

Taylor Trensch & Cynthia Nixon
Photo courtesy of The New Group

The character of Naphtali is complicated.  He is lost and searching, more for himself than for his mother.  Mr. Trensch peels back layers one by one to reveal a vulnerable core.  You are as uncertain as he is as to the reality of his situation, upbringing, and future.  At the end, it all lands in a place of knowing and a sense of calm.

Playwright Jordan Seavey has crafted a unique piece of theatre.  The scenes are out of order, causing the audience to piece the events together.  The play is carefully structured to provide details that answer the questions as they flood your mind.  This continuous reveal creates a forward moving action that keeps you fully engaged in the characters and their story. 

The Seven Year Disappear is playing at Pershing Square Signature Center’s Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre through March 31.  It is mesmerizing and powerful.  Don’t miss it! 

Domenick Danza

Back to the Future

 Back to the Future
The Musical
Winter Garden Theatre
February 20, 2024 

Photo courtesy of Back to the Future

The Broadway production of Back to the Future is absolutely amazing!  It is high tech, fast paced, and non-stop fun.  Chris Bailey’s choreography authentically connects the time period with energy and enthusiasm.  Director John Rando brings this phenomenal cast together to tell a story that is full of heart.

The year is 1985.  Marty McFly (played by Casey Likes) receives a message from his friend, Doc Brown (played by Roger Bart) to meet him at the mall parking lot at 1:20 AM.  Marty has a steady girlfriend, Jennifer (played by Mikaela Secada), but his family life is bleak.  His father, George (played by Hugh Coles) is bullied by his boss, Biff (played by Nathaniel Hackman).  His mother, Lorraine (played by Liana Hunt) is overweight and drinks too much.  When Marty arrives at the mall parking lot, Doc suddenly appears in a DeLorean, which he transformed into a time machine.  When Doc demonstrates how to program the DeLorean, he realizes he has been poisoned by the plutonium used to propel the machine for time travel.  Marty jumps into the car to get help.  As the car hits 88 mph, Marty is transported back to 1955.  As he searches for Doc to help him get back to the future, Marty runs into his teen age parents, and disrupts the events that lead to their first kiss and eventual marriage.  Marty has to reconcile these events before returning to 1985.       

Casey Likes as Marty McFly
Photo courtesy of Back to the Future

The show hits 88 mph from the top, and does not slow down for two and a half hours.  There are a few plot points missing from the original movie, but that is what keeps this musical version tight and effective.  Roger Bart and Casey Likes have an amazing bond as Doc Brown and Marty McFly.  Their comic timing is perfect.  They share a few touching and genuine moments on their wild adventure.  Hugh Coles is hysterical as George McFly.  His physicality is flawless.  Liana Hunt nails the role of Lorraine.  Her energy is high and her youthful zest is spot on.

Roger Bart & Dancers
Photo courtesy of Back to the Future

The creative team were all involved with the original film franchise.  The book is by Bob Gale.  The music and lyrics are by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard.  The production is co-created and produced by Robert Zemeckis.  The respect and creative ownership of the material is evident in the attention to detail and high quality of the production.  It is an amazing experience.  You must see it for yourself.

Back to the Future is playing at the Winter Garden Theatre.  It is high energy and a lot of fun.  You must see it!   

Domenick Danza

Brooklyn Laundry

Brooklyn Laundry
Manhattan Theatre Club
NY City Center Stage I
February 15, 2024 

Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

Manhattan Theatre Club is presenting John Patrick Shanley’s new play, Brooklyn Laundry.  The premise is intriguing, the characters are truthful, and the plot has a few surprise twists.  The play has many honest moments that will touch your heart and endear the characters to you.  The cast is wonderful.  Mr. Shanley has directed this play himself.  It is tender and straight forward. 

Fran (played by Cecily Strong) meets Owen (played by David Zayas) when she drops off her laundry.  The regular girl quit, so Owen, who own three laundromats, is working the front desk.  He sees something in Fran, beyond her “gloomy” disposition, and asks her out.  She accepts, but cannot go until she returns from an out of town commitment.  Fran keeps the details of this commitment from Owen when she goes on their date.  She wants him to see her in a positive light, and not as she is, weighed down by her family sorrow.  Fran’s sister is dying and leaving two small children behind.  Owen carries the weight of his past as well.  Fran supports him, and is hoping he will be able to do the same. 

David Zayas & Cecily Strong
Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

Cecily Strong delivers a solid performance as Fran.  This is a complex character, yearning for happiness while drowning in hopelessness.  Her rhythms and timing are impeccable.  She has a phenomenal chemistry with David Zayas.  Their connection is genuine and visceral.  Mr. Zayas’ character emotionally opens and reaches out to Fran (Cecily Strong), then plunges into fear and darkness.  It then becomes her turn to open up and reach out. 

Florencia Lozano and Andrea Syglowski play Fran’s sisters, Trish and Suzie.  These two characters are polar opposites, giving Ms. Strong much to play off.  It is in these scenes that she dives in and fully develops her character.  These relationships reveal the intertwining layers that develop over a lifetime of hardship and connection. 

Brooklyn Laundry is playing at NY City Center Stage I through March 31.  Check it out.  

Domenick Danza

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