Oscar E Moore

SARAH SNOOK is Dorian Gray.  And a gaggle of supporting characters in this spellbinding, sophisticated and surprising production of Oscar Wilde’s infamous novella, THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY, newly adapted and superbly directed by KIP WILLIAMS at THE MUSIC BOX 239 West 45 Street.

Not since NICKOLAS NICKELBY 43 years ago, have I been so impressed by a theatrical offering on Broadway.  With a bit of Antonioni’s 1966 film BLOWUP thrown into the mixture for good measure.

Magic has returned triumphantly to The Great White Way.  With Wildean wit and his spot on satire of Victorian society.  What I first thought of as a GIMMICK (having a female portray everyone) turns out to be a well thought out, well-coordinated, extremely well-acted production.  With great precision and imagination, this company from Australia brings Dorian’s tragedy to vivid life.

As I sat mesmerized in F111 a gigantic video screen held my attention throughout.  Not just a single screen but many floating around the stage while a group of camera toting assistants dressed in black silently filmed live video for our entertainment.  How this is accomplished is the ninth wonder of the world.

Timing is utmost important in the theater. And this production doesn’t miss a beat.  The clockwork precision, the mixture of live action and video, the handling of props, the variety of costumes and wigs is astounding.  It is a phenomenon.  Bit by bit.  Clip by clip.  Put together like a gigantic Victorian jigsaw puzzle.

All in the name of vanity.  Having his portrait painted.  And in return, allowing it to age and not himself, our hero Dorian.  Selling his soul so to speak to remain forever young and beautiful while the portrait is locked away decaying privately.  Until…

This is a must see.  You must see it to believe it.  This astounding work of art.  Forcing, no urging the audience to keep our eyes and ears alert throughout.  Riveted to the stage and all that happens on it.  Surprise after surprise just waiting in the wings to astound.

However, after an hour and a half plus, a video chase sequence goes on a tad too long.  A minor misgiving.

Thank you, Sarah Snook, and all your mighty helpers for rekindling my belief in theatre as it was and as it should always be from this day forward.  A return to the theater as I knew it.  As I loved it.

Your production is PHENOMENAL.   Approximately two hours with no intermission.

PHOTO:  Marc Brenner

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