Ride the Cyclone

Ride the Cyclone

MCC Theater

Lucille Lortel Theatre

November 12, 2016

Photo courtesy fo MCC Theater

Riding the Cyclone is a haunting and thought-provoking musical directed and choreographed by Rachel Rockwell.  The MCC Theater production is sharp and spectacular with exceptional sound and lighting effects.  The music and lyrics by Brooke Maxwell and Jacob Richmond are fun and energetic.  The skilled cast creates characters and moments that are true and touching.  Even with all of this in its favor, the show somehow falls short of building dramatic impact.

After performing at the fair, six members of the Saint Cassian High School Chamber Choir ride the roller coaster.  When an axel breaks in the front car, they are flown high in the air, then plunge to their deaths.  Before crossing to the other side, they review their short lives, hopes, and dreams in an effort to win the chance to go back, which can only be awarded to one of them.

Photo courtesy of MCC Theater

The production elements are amazing and perfectly delivered.   The set design by Scott Davis is spooky, vast, and spectacular.  It fills the Lucille Lortel Theatre with an atmosphere that sets the imagination on fire.  Lighting design by Greg Hofmann take everything on stage a step further by adding depth and illusion that captivates and draws you in.  The projections, designed by Mike Tutaj, are emotionally stimulating and show up in the most unexpected of places.  Unfortunately, these production elements far exceed the journey of the characters and arc of the action of the play.  Although there are poignant moments and a strong thematic finale song, the play is structured with mostly direct address and solos for the purpose of character development.  The relationships are not developed enough to create an emotional connection, and the theme is more stated than viscerally understood.

MCC's Riding the Cyclone is playing at the Lucille Lortel Theater through December 18. See it for yourself and add your comments here. 

Domenick Danza

The Servant of Two Masters

The Servant of Two Masters

Theatre for a New Audience

Polonsky Shakespeare Center

November 11, 2016

Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

Theatre for a New Audience’s production of The Servant of Two Masters is pure gold.  Director Christopher Bayes brings energy and magic to this commedia dell’arte classic.  The cast pops every punchline and physicalizes the distinctive style of the period.  The production is bawdy, fast paced, and heartwarming.

Truffalino (played by Steven Epp) finds himself in the service to two masters.  The first, Beatrice (played by Liz Wisan), is disguised as her deceased brother to redeem the promissory notes from his business partner, Pantalone (played by Allen Gilmore).  The second, Florindo (played by Orlando Pabotoy) is the love of Beatrice who killed her brother in a duel.  In order to be convincing in her disguise, Beatrice becomes engaged to Pantalone’s daughter, Clarice (played by Adina Verson), even though she is promised to Silvio (played by Eugene Ma).  Mayhem ensues, all trickery is revealed, and love prevails.

Steven Epp as Truffolino
Photo courtesy of  Theatre for a New Audience
& Yale Repertory Theatre

Steven Epp is genius as Truffalino.  He and Mr. Bayes are credited for ‘further adaptations” of the script.  They skillfully add political commentary throughout the show.  Not only is this effective and hilarious, but it brings the commedia style and appeal into the present.  The antics become more than just buffoonery as the actors’ asides make us laugh at ourselves.  The cast works as a tight ensemble, giving life and verve to an almost three hundred year old theatrical form.

Theatre of a New Audience rises to new heights every year.  Their upcoming season is sure to live up to this expectation.  The Servant of Two Masters runs at the Polonsky Shakespeare Center in downtown Brooklyn through December 4.    

Domenick Danza

This Day Forward

This Day Forward

Vineyard Theatre

November 5, 2016

Photo courtesy of Vineyard Theatre

This Day Forward is Nicky Silver’s new play presently in previews at Vineyard Theatre.  The two acts of this funny and dark play are set forty-six years apart, and portray how a decision made at a turning point in life can have a lasting effect.  Director Mark Brokaw successfully takes the high arc of dramatic action all the way through to the end of the journey of the play.  The production has an amazing ensemble, most of whom play different characters in each act.

The first act takes place at the St. Regis Hotel in 1958 on the wedding night of Martin (played by Michael Cane) and Irene (played by Holly Fain).  He is head over heels in love, and she is nervous about telling him something she knows will upset him.  She finally blurts it out and sets into motion the course of the rest of their lives.  Act II takes place forty-six years later in 2004, where the fruits of their lives are displayed for all to see.

The Cast of This Day Forward
Photo courtesy of Vineyard Theatre

Holly Fain is bright and charismatic as young Irene.  She is an optimistic and adorable bride.  She has moments that reveal her darker, antagonistic side that are truly hysterical and foretelling.  June Gable shines in Act II as the older Irene.  She carries the forty-six year history of this character in every cell of her body and glance of her eyes.  In Act I Ms. Gable provides tremendous comic relief and insight into the mindset of the time period as a maid at the St. Regis Hotel.  She is wonderfully impactful.  Michael Crane is vulnerable and eager as the young Martin in Act I, and brings a depth and determination to his role of Noah in Act II.  Francesca Faridany is explosive, both funny and disturbing, as Sheila in Act II.  Andrew Burnap is humorous as Donald in Act I, and charming and sensitive as Leo in Act II.  Joe Tippett is rough, tough, and loveable as Emil.

The first act is funny.  It is set in an idealistic time with a number of twists that set up infinite possibilities, and Mr. Silver skillfully utilizes every one of them.  The second act delivers the punch.  It is biting and realistic, and speaks to what is most valuable in life.  The irony is that this message comes from a character who never attained it.  This Day Forward runs at Vineyard Theatre through December 18.

Domenick Danza

Phantasmagoria; or Let Us Seek Death!

Phantasmagoria; or Let Us Seek Death!

La Mama

October 29, 2016

Photo courtesy of LaMama

Phantasmagoria; or Let us seek Death! is a haunting way to celebrate Halloween.  Playing at LaMama through November 6, the show explores the creative mind of Mary Shelley as she focuses the challenges and experiences of her life into her masterpiece Frankenstein.

In Act I the ensemble sets up an atmosphere of artistic freedom and sexual promiscuity as they portray the lives of Mary Shelley (played by Jane Bradley), Claire Clairmont (played by Katie Melby), Percy Shelley (played by Demetrius Stewart), Lord Byron (played by Equiano), and Doctor Polidori (played by Andrew Lynch).  The play gets dark in Act II as Mary Shelley’s character from her classic novel envelopes her thoughts and takes over the stage.  The team of Randolph Curtis Rand (director) and Chana Porter (playwright) have a strong passion and deep understanding of this history and material.  The puppetry, by Benjamin Stuber, creates a sense of mystery and terror.

Jane Bradley & Demetrius Stewart
Photo courtesy of La Mama

Jane Bradley is charming and light hearted as Mary Shelley in Act I, then grim and brooding as the voice of the monster in Act II.  Her vocal authority is mesmerizing.  Every gesture and detail of her characterization draws you in to a deeper sense of consciousness.  Demetrius Stewart is easy going and irresponsible as Percy Shelley, then haunted and distraught as Victor Frankenstein.  Equiano is bold and brazen as Lord Byron, commanding and manipulating the lives and emotions of those around him.

This production offers a psychological insight into the life of Mary Shelley.  The dichotomy of her thoughts and experiences are explored.  The potent affect this has on her creative writing is brought to light.  It brings great understanding as to why Frankenstein is a classic work with many levels that continue to both frighten and amuse.

 

Domenick Danza

Coriolanus

Coriolanus

Red Bull Theater

Barrow Street Theatre

October 22, 2016

Photo courtesy of Red Bull Theater

Red Bull Theater’s production of Coriolanus is filling the Barrow Street Theatre with the insistence of conspiracy, insurrection, and fury.  Through the vision of director Michael Sexton, this historic Shakespeare tale of ego and pride is made relevant to our present political environment.  As the program states: “The Scene: Rome, 492 BCE, Here, Now.”  By placing the audience in the center of the action, Mr. Sexton and the design team, Brett J. Banakis (set and lighting) and Brandon Wolcott (sound), makes this bloody and aggressive production a visceral experience for all who attend.

Dion Johnstone as Coriolanus
Photo courtesy of Red Bull Theater

When Caius Martius (played by Dion Johnstone) is victorious in battle, he is haled “Coriolanus” and thrust into the political spotlight by his close friend and supporter Menenius Agrippa (played by Patrick Page). Sicinius Velutus (played by Stephen Spinella) and Junius Brutus (played by Merrritt Janson) see to it that the people rebel against Coriolanus’ brusque demeanor and forceful temperament.  The upheaval leads to his banishment.  Coriolanus finds shelter with his enemy Tullus Aufidius (played by Matthew Amendt).  Together they plan on overthrowing the government.  The only one able to convince him to back down from revenge is his mother Volumnia (played by Lisa Harrow), causing disgrace for her and a tragic ending for him.

Patrick Page as Menius Agrippa
Photo courtesy of Red Bull Theater

The performances are powerful and commanding.  The ensemble incites your emotions the moment the play begins.  The political alliances and rivalries are intriguing.  Dion Johnstone and Lisa Harrow deliver performances with depth and honesty that shed light on the flaws and motivations of characters who thrive on power.  Patrick Page, Stephen Spinella, and Merritt Janson embody political figures ruled by the duality of a public life in politics.

The Red Bull Theater production of Coriolanus is stark, bold, and realistic.  Go see it and get a jolt of just how true it is that history repeats itself.  It will be playing at Barrow Street Theatre through November 20.

Domenick Danza

Falsettos

Falsettos

Lincoln Center Theater

Walter Kerr Theatre

October 15, 2016

Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

Lincoln Center Theater is celebrating William Finn’s Falsettos with a poignant revival at the Walter Kerr Theatre.  Under the directions of James Lapine, this powerhouse cast delivers breathtaking performances.  The production offers a chance to stop and think of not only how far we have come in just a few short decades, but what took place that propelled us forward and how important it is to not fall back.

Act I takes place in 1979.  Marvin (played by Christian Borle) has left his wife, Trina (played by Stephanie J. Block), and son, Jason (played by Anthony Rosenthal), for his lover, Whizzer (played by Andrew Rannells).  In an attempt to maintain a sense of connection, Trina and Jason see Marvin’s psychologist, Mendel (played by Brandon Uranowitz).  The entanglement intensifies when Mendel falls in love with Trina and they get married.  The emotional upheaval that comes with the breakdown of the traditional family is tenderly illustrated in this act.  Uncertainty is felt by all the characters.  Stephani J. Block keeps the humor high in her rendition of the song “I’m Breaking Down.”  She and the men in the cast comically illustrate her point of view about this tough transition in the song “March of the Falsettos.”

The cast of Falsettos
Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

Act II takes place in 1981.  Marvin has split with Whizzer and befriended his neighbors, Dr. Charlotte (played by Tracie Thoms) and her girlfriend, Cordelia (played by Betsy Wolfe).  When Jason invites Whizzer to his baseball game, Marvin and he start up again.  While plans for Jason’s Bar Mitzvah are underway, Whizzer is diagnosed with AIDS.  Tracie Thoms succinctly expresses the helplessness and confusion that was felt at the beginning of the AIDS crisis.  Christian Borle creates a number of sincere and honest moments that connect to what he tells his son in Act I, that love is most important.  It is the chemistry of this amazing ensemble that allows the message of Falsettos to ring true and come full circle.

This production lacks the groundbreaking effect that it had when it was originally produced at Playwrights Horizon in 1981.  It does, however, allow us to reminisce on decades past and reflect on what is important to carry forward in the decades to come.

Domenick Danza

Kingdom Come

Kingdom Come

Roundabout Underground

Harold & Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre / Black Box Theatre

October 9, 2016

Photo Courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Comapany

Kingdom Come is Jenny Rachel Weiner’s new play presently running at the Roundabout Underground.  Ms. Weiner is a skilled playwright with a bold and adventurous voice.  In this play she draws you in with interesting and quirky characters who go to great lengths to conceal their emotional wounds.  She then embarks on a journey of deep self-awareness.  Kip Fagan successfully directs this daring play and sensitive cast with a clear vision and tender touch.

Samantha (played by Carmen M. Herlihy) and Layne (played by Crystal Finn) take a shot at on line dating.  They both meet and fall in love with their ideal mate.  The problem is that their profiles and photos are totally fabricated.  Before they can admit the truth, they have to face it themselves.  What they discover is more profound than they expect.

The cast of Kingdom Come
Photo Courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

Carmen M. Herlihy and Crystal Finn deliver strong and realistic performances as Samantha and Layne.  Both characters are troubled, and suffer from emotional and social disorders.  Their individual stories are very diverse, and they each face their challenges in distinctive manners.  Ms. Weiner’s conception of these two characters is unique, and their juxtaposition is enlightening.  Her handling of the plunge into their secret selves is concise and astounding.  Layne, Ms. Finn’s character, opens up and transcends, while Samantha, Ms. Herlihy’s character, has a lot more to overcome and reverts to her weaknesses.  These two actors share moments together that are touching, true, and unexpected. 

Actors Socorro Santiago, Alex Hernandez, and Stephanie Styles bring high energy, humor and charm to their roles.  Set designer Arnulfo Maldonado and lighting designer Thom Weaver create an expansive and realistic playing area in the small, intimate black box space.  Darrel Maloney designs projections that not only illustrate the virtual relationship of the characters, but masterfully reveals their individual perception of the experience.

Playwright Jenny Rachel Weiner
Photo courtesy of
Roundabout Theatre Company

Roundabout Theatre Company does outstanding and honorable work in their underground black box.  More important than their high production values, which I have come to expect from them, is their commitment to developing the voice of the upcoming playwright.  Kingdom Come offers a glimpse into the fact that our on line selves and virtual personas do connect to real people, and can have a deep and meaningful effect on ourselves and those with whom we engage.  This is a very powerful and important message, experienced and understood in a most appropriate venue. 

Kingdom Come runs through December 18.  The black box has open seating and tickets are a very affordable $25. 

Domenick Danza