Oscar E Moore

Eureka!  “The Understudy” by Theresa Rebeck which has recently opened Off-Broadway at Laura Pels Theatre and is a Roundabout production is a classic 21^st Century comedy of the first order.  Funny doesn’t get much funnier than this.

In every playbill there is this disclaimer:  Understudies never substitute for the listed players unless a specific announcement is made at the time of the performance. And when that announcement is made and the star of the show (most probably someone from Hollywood i.e. a Jude Law, Daniel Craig or Hugh Jackman) that you have paid big bucks to see is not performing you race up the aisle to get a refund.  Who wants to see the understudy?  You are furious.  Just think how the understudy feels.

Enter Theresa Rebeck with her right on target, smart observations and quick wit to the rescue to let us get a glimpse into what being an understudy entails.  Especially if you happen to be Harry a bitter actor (Justin Kirk) who despises the Hollywood star system that rewards action heroes with millions of dollars for speaking dumbed down dialogue and you haven’t worked in a while and consider yourself a fine actor and have gotten this “understudy” position through a friend of a friend.

Understudy to Hollywood star Jake (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) – whose last picture pulled in over 60 million bucks its first weekend of release who is also understudying the other major starring role (the unseen Bruce) who gets paid even more in a Broadway production of a lost and recently discovered existentialist Kafka masterpiece which ends with a dance.

And so the ever cool and calm stage manager, Roxanne (Julie White) has the job of rehearsing these two at odds with each other actors with a stoned out of her mind Laura (also unseen) in the booth who keeps getting the change of set, sound and light cues wrong.  To top it off, Harry left Roxanne six years ago and she hasn’t laid eyes on him since until this fateful day of rehearsal.  It is then that she begins to be rattled and unravels before our eyes.

And Julie White does unravel.  Hysterically so.  She is a comic genius.  She also shows a wonderful vulnerability and sensibility as the actress turned stage manager who was once spurned by the understudy that she has to now put into the show. 

She is aided wonderfully by Justin Kirk who is quirky, questioning and yes bitter who begins to bond with the star as they find new dimensions in the Kafka script.  Mr. Gosselaar plays up his celebrity and does an excellent job in being passionate about Kafka that you just begin to think there is something to this ridiculous play within a play.  You have to see it to believe it’s so amusing.  And in the end, touching.

Director Scott Ellis has done a great job in making all three actors hit their marks, getting them to delve beneath the surface satire and making this backstage story so fulfilling.

“The Understudy” has been extended through January 17^th 2010. 

www.roundabouttheatre.org

Tags:   Julie White · Justin Kirk · Mark-Paul Gosselaar · Scott Ellis · Theresa RebeckNo Comments.

The Actors Company Theatre has unearthed another old chestnut of a play – “The Late Christopher Bean” written by Sidney Howard – based on the French “Prenez Garde a la Peinture” by Rene Fauchois – not seen in New York since it was first produced in 1932 and has given it a loving and glowing revival that will continue its run through December 5^th at the Beckett Theatre on Theatre Row.  It’s a perfect fit for this excellent company of actors and guest artists “dedicated to presenting neglected or rarely produced plays of literary merit.”

Targeting greed and the art world, “The Late Christopher Bean” takes its time setting up its characters and laying down the foundation that is fully and comically exploited in this three act play performed in two.  Nicely directed by Jenn Thompson the transition that takes place in the Haggett household, particularly that of Dr. Haggett (a wonderful James Murtaugh) once they learn that they are in possession of some extremely valuable paintings that their tenant of ten years ago, the drunken and ill Mr. Bean created is priceless.

The practical and peaceful country doctor, Dr. Haggett is simply trying to collect from his patients and tightening the purse strings at home which his wife (Cynthia Darlow) is distressed over as well as their spoiled younger daughter Ada (Kate Middleton) when he receives a mysterious telegram from a Maxwell Davenport seeking a meeting to discuss Mr. Bean.  Ada’s older sister Susan (Jessiee Datino) and Warren (Hunter Canning) – a house painter and paper hanger with aspirations of being an artist – he apprenticed under Mr. Bean learning his modern art techniques plan to elope.  Abby (Mary Bacon) their maid of 15 years is leaving to take care of her brother and his four children after the death of his wife. 

It is not until two Mr. Davenports arrive that things start to bubble forth with great fun.  The first turns out to be an art forger who is a conniver and a con (Greg McFadden as Tallant posing as Davenport (James Prendergast) the art critic.  Then there is Rosen (Bob Ari) another critic come in for the kill.  Everyone’s after the lost paintings of the late Christopher Bean.

There are many complications and surprising twists and turns in the plot that eventually ends in a not quite so unexpected way.  But it’s great fun getting there.  Once the Haggett family learns the prices that the paintings (that they really thought horrid relegating them to the barn) can bring they become as greedy as the New Yorkers who have come to swindle them.   

It is only Abby, the maid, who really liked Mr. Bean and took comfort in his teaching her  about art and color who stays true to herself and the artist who painted her portrait that she wants to take along with her when she leaves.  Mary Bacon gives a delightful performance that has love written all over it.  She is funny, humble and able to rise to the occasion, divulging her secret that changes everything.

TACT has produced another winner with an excellent ensemble cast that brings truth and comedy to the forefront.  www.tactnyc.org

Tags:   Bob Ari · Cynthia Darlow · Greg McFadden · Hunter Canning · James Murtaugh · James Prendergast · Jenn Thompson · Jessiee Datino · Kate Middleton · Mary BaconNo Comments.

In this sprawling, unfocused anti Vietnam War, why does God allow such things if God exists at all play written by James L. Larocca and directed by Donya K. Washington there are far more characters than needed to flesh out the story that takes place in 1968-9 in Southeast Asia and California.  In fact, two actors act merely as props as they say not a word.  A third character is unnecessary and adds little to the story.

The story being the relationship between disillusioned patient Tim Riordan (Scott Raker) who has slit his wrists for unknown reasons and is recovering in California under the guidance of therapist Dr. Leona Kaufman (Jacqueline Gregg) who is trying to discover those unknown reasons and his relationship with fellow fighter Richard “Luke” DeLuca (Peter Sabri) who he meets while on a break from the war in Penang where they spend five eventful days together sightseeing (with guide Jimmy Chen – Kurt Uy), partying and getting to know each other in more ways than either one of them ever bargained for.

It is the unlocking of Tim’s memory by the use of Hypnotherapy that we discover what happened to the budding relationship between Tim and Luke (who feels guilty that he is simply the Rec Officer in charge of making men feel better about fighting) and the repercussions that resulted in Tim’s attempted suicide.

It is stressed over and over again that for those at war friendship is the most important thing between two men.  That they are there for each other.  To take care of each other.  Also that war is a waste for both sides involved.  And that if you survive be thankful to God but if you happen to be wounded or worse do not blame him.  Nothing new or original here.  It’s all been said before.

Scott Raker as Tim spends most of the time looking shell shocked and we feel little compassion for him.  Peter Sabri brings some humor to his role but is off putting, bringing to mind Jerry Lewis in a serious part.  The essential attraction to each other is absent and so we do not get the camaraderie between the two that leads to the tragic ending.

Chris LaPanta is Lt. Jake Wyman, Tim’s likable commanding officer.  He does a fine job.  He is natural and we believe him and in him.  With a little more volume he might just be the best in the production.

An imposing Jeffrey Evan Thomas in a brief appearance in Act II gets to play the “killing machine” roommate of Luke who appears raping a young girl who is one of the silent actors (Andrea Chen).

There is a lot of other stuff going on with a Buddhist Monk (Ray Chao) and a smarmy Hindi Mystic (Rushi Kota).  And water which makes the stage dangerously slippery.  I only wish the play had not tried to do so much and was more centered on the story of Tim and Luke and his Doctor.  That would have been compelling theatre.

Through Nov. 22^nd at Workshop Mainstage Theater 312 West 36 St 4^th floor.  Tickets $18.00  Advisory:  Penang bares it all.

www.boo-arts.com

Tags:   Boo-Arts Productions · Madison Street Productions1 Comment

Nathan Louis Jackson is making his New York debut as playwright of “BROKE-OLOGY” now running through November 22^nd at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theatre at Lincoln Center.  Mr. Jackson is a recent graduate of the Juilliard School’s Playwriting program and BROKE-OLOGY was originally produced last summer at the Williamstown Theatre Festival.  What an auspicious beginning for such a talented writer.  Make sure to see this powerful and poignant production.

BROKE-OLOGY is an unsettling, humorous, theatrical and heart wrenching story of the King family which will have you thinking about them long after you have left the theatre.  And the sadness that permeates their lives.

The sadness of being stuck in a life that isn’t what they dreamed of.  Stuck because they are poor black people in Kansas City 1982.  Poor but dealing with their problems and happy despite everything bad that happens. There is the sadness about losing a spouse, aging, sickness and the sadness about having to make difficult choices.  Universal concerns.

We start with a pregnant Sonia (Crystal A. Dickinson) dancing around her crowded but clean home painting tee shirts that she can’t afford to buy and preparing a meal for her husband William (Wendell Pierce).  They are in love and looking forward to a large family and a wonderful future.

With great lighting design by Jason Lyons we segue into the present.  Their two children are grown.  Ennis (a compelling Francois Battiste), a restaurant worker with a baby on the way has all the answers – he thinks.  And he has come up with the science of dealing with being broke and surviving it.  Hence the title of the play.  His younger brother Malcolm (Alano Miller) has returned to Kansas City from Connecticut having received his Masters Degree to visit his ailing father who is now suffering from Multiple Sclerosis.  Their mother passed on years ago from cancer but returns in the mind of her husband in some tender and beautifully realized scenes.

It is Malcolm’s decision to stay or return to his new life that propels this disturbing story.  The actors are all outstanding as they grapple with their emotions in a natural and honest way with splashes of humor thrown in.  Of course the brothers are at odds – with William thinking Malcolm selfish if he leaves him to deal with his progressively deteriorating dad, his nagging wife, his new son and the garden gnome that hey have kidnapped from a neighbor’s garden while going on a pirate expedition.  They may have grown up problems but they still act like kids when all together – especially over a game of dominoes.

Wendell Pierce gives a heartbreaking performance as a man struggling with his health, not being able to do what once was easy, dropping things, going blind, dealing with excruciating pain and then coming to a conclusion that will leave his sons free to follow their dreams and you in tears.  The entire production is skillfully enhanced by the direction of Thomas Kail.  www.lct.org

Tags:   Alano Miller · Crystal A. Dickinson · Francois Battiste · Nathan Louis Jackson · Thomas Kail · Wendell PierceNo Comments.

All the ingredients are there in “Love, Linda – the life of Mrs. Cole Porter” by jazz vocalist Stevie Holland and Gary William Friedman which is enjoying a four week run at the Triad Theater through November 21^st. 

The songs of Cole Porter, an intimate setting, the requisite martini glass, an interesting concept and a wonderful back up combo of drums (Jeff Davis) bass (Peter Brendler) and piano (Landon Knoblock) supporting the perfectly engaging vocals of Ms. Holland.

However, the songs of Cole Porter should be slowly savored like a chilled (stirred not shaken) slowly sipped martini with a twist – the twist being supplied by the witty and fun and sometimes double entendre lyrics that accompany Cole Porter’s memorable melodies.  In this one woman, one hour, one sided biographical musical we get a rapid, superficial, speed dial version of their 35 years together – despite his being homosexual.

As long as he was discreet she would accept his dalliances.  But when he fell in love with a Russian dancer that was too much.  Even so, we gaily skip on to the next chapter (song) in their hectic, café society and star filled lives.   “Let’s Do It”, “In The Still Of The Night”, “You Do Something to Me” and “Let’s Be Buddies” – which takes on a whole new meaning here.

From their first meeting in Paris, their marriage, coming to New York, Broadway, shows, Hollywood musicals, her illness, his crippling accident – all this in one hour and a two drink minimum that has the staff of the Triad on their toes to fill orders so that they can unfortunately distribute the checks during her finale most moving number – “When A Woman’s In Love”.

Stevie Holland does quite nicely with her jazz infused arrangements by Mr. Friedman in this cabaret show directed by Ben West.  We are teased by these truncated versions of some of the most wonderful songs ever written – the songs that apply to their supposed happy life together – and long for some full length renditions not a crash course in Cole and Linda 101.

You almost want to shout out (to paraphrase Simon and Garfunkel), “Slow down, you move too fast, you got to make the moments last.”

At $35.00 a head plus a two not inexpensive drink minimum plus an 18% gratuity included “Love, Linda – the Life of Mrs. Cole Porter” is a costly hours worth of entertainment.  Through November 21^st.

www.lovelindathemusical.com

Tags:   Ben West · Cole Porter · Gary William Friedman · Stevie HollandNo Comments.

GooGoo Clusters anyone?  All you have to do to get one of these tasty marshmallow, caramel, roasted peanut combos covered in milk chocolate candies is to correctly answer some trivia questions about the classic 1975 Robert Altman film NASHVILLE at the Metropolitan Room the first Sunday of each month at 7pm.

No, they aren’t showing the movie.  Daryl Glenn & Jo Lynn Burks, a dynamic duo to be remembered with backup vocals by Tanya Holt & Brad Wills and a six piece country western band (Ivan Bodley/bass, Jo Lynn Burks/piano, Chris Delis/guitar, Dan Gross/drums, Kenny Kosek/fiddle, John Widgren/pedal steel) are performing the songs from the film in their  2009 Bistro, MAC and Nightlife Awarding winning cabaret show with a decidedly Grand Ole Opry influence.  Jay Rogers was guest artist lending his considerable talent.

“Nashville” is a complete hoot!  Charming.  Infectious.  And oh so entertaining.  Great singing and a real down home country party atmosphere that has been given great pace and a depth of feeling usually absent in such shows by director Vince Degeorge.

The exuberant and personable Daryl Glenn delivers “It Don’t Worry Me” with a fine voice and with a naturalness that seems to say, “Come and give me a big hug.”  It is obvious that he loves the music and its message.  Pianist and musical arranger Jo Lynn Burks is another natural with a winning smile and a terrific voice who is just as beautiful to look at as she is to listen to.  She seems to say, “I’ve been there and back and I know what I’m talking about.  And I love what I’m doing.”  She also plays a mean piano.  Alone or together they are simply great.

“I’m Easy” by Keith Carradine which won an Academy Award, “Memphis”, “My Idaho Home” and their fantastic duet “Tapedeck In His Tractor” are but a few of the incredible songs from the NASHVILLE soundtrack album recreated so lovingly at the Metropolitan Room by Daryl and Jo Lynn.

They will get your toes a tapping and your heart beat a racing with their engaging and disarming renditions and delightful cabaret show.  It’s no wonder that they are the Triple Crown Cabaret winners for 2009.  Upcoming shows:  Dec 6^th, Jan 3^rd, Feb 7^th.

www.metropolitanroom.com    www.darylglenn.com

NOTE:  Daryl Glenn will be appearing for one night only Sunday January 17^th, 2010 – 8:30pm at Feinsteins at Lowes Regency Hotel – Daryl Sings Steve – (Songs by Sondheim).

Tags:   Daryl Glenn · Jo Lynn BurksNo Comments.

“Made in Heaven” written by Jay Bernzweig and directed by Andrew Shaifer  might have won the ‘Outstanding Production of a Play Award’ at the 2009 Midtown International Theatre Festival but it didn’t win for best play – for obvious reasons.  It is little more than amusing erectile dysfunctional theater.  Let me explain.

Lawyer Max (Kevin Thomas Collins) and Paralegal Benjie (Alex Anfanger) are conjoined twins sharing an apartment, a pair of three legged jeans, similar taste in clothing and decor and what is described as a rather large penis in present day Manhattan.

They are waiting for their joint girlfriend Jessica (Maia Madison) to arrive so that Max can propose marriage.  Benjie is not so willing to go along with this scenario.  I’ll give you one guess why.  They have been dating Jessica for three months now, both having problems for different reasons in the penis department.  Well, I guess that makes all three of them.  However, Max believes it is time to take the plunge into matrimony, securing a safe and happy future despite the complicated drawbacks.  After all, they come as a rather unique package and she is a bit overweight and has terrible self esteem problems.  So this marriage would work for all involved.  I suppose that is where the title “Made in Heaven” was born.  As in a marriage…made in heaven.

Trying to be honest they all have secrets which are supposed to add to the hilarity.  But once you get past the sight gag of the twins walking and sitting in tandem the jokes soon loose their luster wallowing from amusing to pitiful porno humor, grossness and vulgarity.  Sure to sell lots of tickets.

There is a fourth character – Gilbert (Matthew Bondy) a pay for sex hustler who drinks, does drugs, is abusive and has a body of an Adonis.  Which he readily shows off.  Which will sell even more tickets.

Maia Madison displays wonderful comic timing as the beset and beleaguered Jewish bride to be and is delightfully torn between marriage, food and the dilemma she finds herself in with Gilbert and the twins, who are extremely funny in how they deal with each other, their different mind sets and opposing sexual desires. 

Gilbert also has a few surprises up his, down his…well he doesn’t wear much but he does provide some exciting moments – if that’s your taste in comedy.  It’s amazing what audiences find funny these days.

I have either turned you off or whetted your perverted funny bones to find out what makes “Made in Heaven” tick.  At the SOHO Playhouse 15 Vandam Street.  Tickets $59.00

Twins arriving at the box office with proof attend free of charge.

www.madeinheaventhecomedy.com

Tags:   Alex Anfanger · Andrew Shaifer · Jay Bernzweig · Kevin Thomas Collins · Maia Madison · Matthew BondyNo Comments.

I went to see “Still Life” written by Alexander Dinelaris – produced by MCC Theater at the Lucille Lortel Theatre on the high recommendation of someone whose opinion I greatly admire.   We have to talk.  In any event it is closing today.  In my opinion it barely arrived and is departing still born.

The writing, at times, is excellent with great bantering back and forth dialogue between the sexes.  Other times, yawn inducing.  Basically there are three couples.  Trying to figure out who they were and what they wanted from one another was just another stumbling block to understanding and enjoying this theatrical experience.

Ace photographer Carrie Ann (Sarah Paulson who reminded me of Cynthia Nixon) has recently lost her father Theo (Dominic Chianese) who shows up in flashbacks.  She cannot bring herself to move on and cannot even take a photograph – previous shots that are part of an exhibition are of dead things.  The play is full of dead things.  And references to not being able to live.  Why bother when we are all going to die anyway?  Cheerful stuff here. 

She needs to be helped but when it arrives in the form of trend analyst Jeffrey (Frederick Weller) who has “health problems” she hesitates.  Before long they are an item.  Then there is his boss Terry – who is smarmy and rude and obnoxious – Matthew Rauch does a fantastic job in bringing him to hateful life.  Jeffrey’s friend Sean (Ian Kahn) a doctor who gives him too much information off the record and his wife (Kelly McAndrew) sum up the couples.  It’s hard to connect with them.

We have also the young protégé photographer (an excellent Hally Feiffer) who plays some other minor roles and Adriane Lenox as the woman trying to get Carrie Ann behind the lens once more.

On a cold set by David Korins which serves as the many locations of the many short scenes in this trying trying-to-get-through-life drama, directed briskly by Will Frears I could only wonder why write about these uninteresting depressing people who are not very kind to others or to themselves.  Are we enlightened?

In the program notes by the author he states that “whatever challenges this or any other generation faces, one truth prevails…no matter what, there is still life.”  I only wish his characters really believed and embraced that philosophy.  www.mcctheater.org

Tags:   MCC THEATERNo Comments.

Last Wednesday I saw two terrific shows and ate one marvelous meal.  The matinee of “Finian’s Rainbow” and the evening performance of “Brighton Beach Memoirs”.  Just scroll down to read my reviews.

In between shows I remembered a charming little French restaurant – “Pergola Des Artistes” 252 West 46^th Street and decided to go there for an early dinner.  I usually go there before a matinee as they have an excellent, extremely reasonable pre show lunch which includes a glass of wine with the main course.  It is always packed.  The portions are large, the staff extremely gracious and you are served the best warm and crunchy crispy bread this town has to offer.

If you are lucky you will encounter Marie, the long time owner (since 1963) who will either be behind the bar with her sequined baseball cap, or folding napkins or visiting each table to chat and to make sure you are having a good meal and a good time.

Her son Christian is always on tap to help and explain the many specials that they offer.  Last Wednesday my partner and I started with a Lobster Bisque and that tasty bread I’ve already mentioned.  I had the calves liver with onions and bacon – medium rare.  Excellent.  He is French and had the frog legs.  Frog legs that were delicious with just enough garlic.  One of my favorites and so I tasted.  Both served with potatoes and vegetables.

Open Tuesday – Saturday 11 am – 9 pm last seating.  The restaurant is closed Sundays and Mondays.  They are extra busy on Matinee days – due to the good food and the moderate prices.  Dinner is a bit more but worth it.  I have never been disappointed and neither will you.

Please check out their wonderful web site for full details on the Matinee Special (11.95-14.95) and Business Lunch (9.95-12.95).  Served with a glass of wine.  Also a la carte (2 course) and prix fixe (4 course) dinners.  Their new six course dinner menu and Autumn Specials and extensive wine list which includes a “monthly special”. MC VISA AX

www.pergoladesartistes.com 212 302 7500   212 840 8935

photos: www.danielkrieger.com

Tags: Comments Off on Pergola Des Artistes – French Restaurant on 46th Street

Eugene Morris Jerome (exciting newcomer Noah Robbins) certainly has a difficult time of it growing up in a crowded two story home in “Brighton Beach Memoirs” the 1983 Neil Simon comedy that has just opened triumphantly at the Nederlander Theatre with director David Cromer and his exceptional cast getting to the heart of things.  Where laughs come alongside pain and sorrow and honest feelings abound and where the sound of the surf co-mingles with the elevated trains passing by every so often.

Growing up with those dirty Irish Murphys living across the street and another World War right around the corner and that new thing called “puberty” – What’s a guy to do?  A guy of fifteen who wants to be a baseball star and if that shouldn’t happen (bite your tongue) he can always make good use of his sharpened pencils and wit in recording the antics (with expert Palmer Method penmanship) of his extended family.  We should all give thanks that he has such interesting relatives.

There is his neat-nik mother Kate (an incredibly contained with frustration Laurie Metcalf) plumping up the pillows, showing her love and desperation and dispensing guilt more freely than oatmeal cookies.  There is her myopic widowed sister Blanche (Jessica Hecht) with her “condition” and her two daughters – Nora (Alexandra Socha) who wants to quit school to become a Broadway actress and Laurie (Gracie Bea Lawrence) who is pampered because of her asthma. 

Eugene is strangely attracted to Nora and it is up to his older brother Stanley (an excellent Santino Fontana) to instruct and explain about the opposite sex while trying to deal with the fact that he’s lost his job over his “principles”.  His dad, Jack (Dennis Boutsikaris) is trying to hold it all together.  Trying to find enough money to make ends meet.  And trying not to collapse under the pressure.

It’s as though we have been invited into the Jerome’s home to eavesdrop.  It helps immensely that Eugene is so eager and innocent and disarming as he speaks to us directly while running errands for his mom or practicing with his baseball mitt or asking his brother about masturbation.  They share a wonderful bond and it’s touching and funny and awesome.  

Much of the success is due to David Cromer’s innate sense and talent at being able to communicate to his actors so that they make full fledged people out of these characters. Handling the reality of the moment to moments of their lives so that the comedy is inherent – not just a string of one liners.  Of course without Neil Simon there would be nothing.  It is a fantastic production which will undoubtedly make a star out of Mr. Simon’s alter ego Noah Robbins. 

“Broadway Bound” its companion piece that takes place in the late 40’s will be opening December 10^th.  Starting on November 18^th.  They will be performed in repertory on a varied schedule with the part of Eugene being taken over by an older Josh Grisetti on the same marvelously detailed set of John Lee Beatty, home to the Jeromes.  I can’t wait.

www.TheNeilSimonPlays.com  IT HAS JUST BEEN ANNOUNCED THAT THIS REVIVAL WILL CLOSE ON SUNDAY

Tags:   Alexandra Socha · David Cromer · Dennis Boutsikaris · Gracie Bea Lawrence · Jessica Hecht · Laurie Metcalf · Neil Simon · Noah Robbins · Santino FontanaNo Comments.