Theater in NYC: Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish at Stage 42

July 3, 2019November 7, 2019 arts-NY 1 Comment

Theater in NYC: Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish at Stage 42

The best musical revival in every aspect, this dynamic production is a must see in New York City this year; playing until January 2020

The company of Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish (c); photo Matthew Murphy

The National Yiddish Theater Folksbiene’s production of Fiddler on the Roof performed in Yiddish reconnects the spectators with the past and reminds them about eternal tensions between new ideas and the traditional ways of life. Joel Grey’s production was initially-planned for a 6 week run at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in downtown Manhattan in the summer of 2018. This production experienced the sort of miracle akin to the Hanukkah oil lasting much longer than intended. After the original run was extended three times till the end of 2018, the musical was brought to commercial production at the Stage 42 Off-Broadway theater on February 2019. It is now scheduled to run until January 2020.

Jerry Bock’s familiar music combined with the genuine acting by the cast led by affable Steven Skybell as Tevye, Jennifer Babiak as Tevye’s unswerving wife Golde, Jackie Hoffman as a meddlesome matchmaker Yente, and a superb orchestral accompaniment recreate the life in Anatevke in the early 20th century Russian Empire.

Perhaps, because of the universally well-known songs and the engaging acting, one only realizes that the play is performed in Yiddish, the language spoken in poor shtetls of nowadays Ukraine, when the story is already in full swing. With the helpful subtitles in both English and Russian, everything quickly falls into place. The actors’ energy immediately takes the audience in, so that they become one close community sharing its collective heritage. Without trying to keep the emotions hidden, the audience celebrates, questions, and fights with Tevye, his family, and his neighbors. It is a rare gift of unity worth taking part in. Come see the company of The National Yiddish Theater Folsbiene recreating the timeless story of love, traditions, and change. Click below for tickets at 62% off starting from $45.

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Theater in NYC: The Tempest by Shakespeare at The Public Theater

May 7, 2019June 19, 2019 contact@arts-ny.com 1 Comment

Theater in NYC: The Tempest by Shakespeare at The Public Theater

Mobile Unit presents a dynamic production of The Tempest by William Shakespeare at The Public Theater from May 3 – May 19, 2019

The Public Theater’s Mobile Unit production of The Tempest. Photo credit: Joan Marcus

Mobile Unit, a touring company that seeks to bring theater and culture to people, is “parking” at The Public Theater at Astor’s Place until May 19, 2019 with William Shakespeare’s The Tempest . The engaging and energetic production has already traveled to 17 diverse communities such as recreational centers, chapels, and correctional facilities. The idea that culture belongs to everyone drives the production creators’ passion and excitement.

Laurie Woolery, production director, reimagines the traditional gender roles in Shakespeare’s play and brings a feminine touch to the characters of Prospero, and others in this fluid and fun take on a theatrical classic. Myra Lucretia Taylor as Prospero softens the spell of dark magic while a rowdy bunch of anti-heroes skillfully keep the audience entertained and amused. The villains and conspirators genuinely played by Christopher Ryan Grant, Reza Salazar, and Dan Domingues are enthralled by the spell of kindness and reconciliation propagated by the spirit Ariel, who is gracefully played by Danaya Esperanza. The talented cast gets a standing ovation for its mastery
and authenticity. Enjoy this fast-paced and fun production and celebrate the love and kindness in the company of like-minded peers.

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Theater in NYC: The Dance of Death by August Strindberg at Classic Stage Company

February 12, 2019April 24, 2019 contact@arts-ny.com

Theater in NYC: The Dance of Death by August Strindberg at Classic Stage Company

August Strindberg’s 19th-century drama The Dance of Death opens in repertory at the Classic Stage Company from February 10, 2019 through March 10, 2019

Christopher Invar, Cassie Beck, Rich Tool in AUGUST STRINDBERG, Dance of Death at Classic Stage Company — Christopher Innvar, Cassie Beck, Rich Topol in AUGUST STRINDBERG, Dance of Death at Classic Stage Company; photo by Joan Marcus

A discerning examination of a married couple’s bond is observed by August Strindberg in The Dance of Death, which is staged by Classic Stage Company. Strindberg’s play, adapted for this new version by Conor McPherson and directed by Victoria Clark, was written in 1900 when the playwright himself was in the midst of a divorce. The elements of Strindberg’s personal life, the ills of Sweden’s society at the turn of the previous century, the ever-present concerns about complacency, competing intentions, and ubiquitous soul-searching are all interwoven into the story.

Stuck on a remote island at the coastal artillery outpost, the couple’s relationships grew from slight annoyance with each other to open contempt. Haunted by the aversion to their associates and the disdain of their superiors, Edgar, authentically played by Richard Topol, and his wife Alice, accurately portrayed by Cassie Beck, isolate themselves to the company of each other with no discernible way out of the tense situation. The arrival of their old friend and relative Kurt, played with ease by Christopher Innvar, promises a chance of revival and change. Yet, in Strindberg’s keen depiction of reality, the dark forces dominate and the jabs only get more potent furling the couple closer together in their unhappy dance to the end. Get tickets at 56% off with TodayTIX

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Theater in NYC: Musical Drama ‘Renascence’ at the Abrons Arts Center

November 5, 2018November 6, 2018 contact@arts-ny.com 1 Comment

Theater in NYC: Musical Drama ‘Renascence’ at the Abrons Arts Center

New musical drama about Edna St. Vincent Millay, author of the poem “Renascence”, gloriously staged by the Transport Group to the passionate music by Carmel Dean; at the Abrons Arts Center until November 17, 2018

A scene from Renascence with Danny Harris Kornfeld, Hannah Corneau, Mikaela Bennett / photo by Carol Rosegg

An inspiring musical performed by talented actors makes an exciting and enlightening debut at a welcoming Off-Off-Broadway Theater at the Abrons Arts Center. The book by Dick Scanlan about Edna St. Vincent Millay and her family is set to the lyrical and touching music score by Carmel Dean. The lyrics by Edna Millay are at the core of the musical convoluting the storyline and elevating its tensions at the same time.

With poetry being at the center at Millay’s family life, sisters and mother included, it brings refreshing vibes for the modern audience. And while the century that separates us from Millay’s time seems to lessen the public’s interest in poetry, the problems facing young poetess and women back then stay unchanged. The play, through its impressive acting and innovating staging, delivers a powerful message about a poetic talent and a young woman path to fame. Enjoy the story, the poetry, and the music!

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Theater in NYC: A Blanket of Dust at the Flea Theater until June 30, 2018

June 20, 2018July 30, 2018 contact@arts-ny.com 1 Comment

Theater in NYC: A Blanket of Dust at the Flea Theater until June 30, 2018

Controversial drama brings back a national tragedy and a desperate search for truth at the Flea Theater in Downtown NYC until June 30, 2018

Off Broadway Theater Drama NYC A Blanket of Dust Angela Pierce — Angela Pierce. Photo by Sharon Kinsella.

“A Blanket of Dust” written by R. Squires and directed by C. Murrah brings back the painful memories of September 11. The story centers on the main heroine Diana Crane played by Angela Pierce who is well known for her acclaimed performance in OSLO on Broadway. Diana’s grief and desperation in the face of a senseless loss of her husband string the stage action together in this 90-minute run. While Diana is supported by her parents, US Senator played by Anthony Newfield, the recognizable face On and Off Broadway, and his wife played by Alison Fraser, a two-time Tony nominee, they are too complacent and powerless to answer her probing questions. The rebellious bookstore owner Andrew Blake played by Tommy Schrider storms into Diana’s life igniting it figuratively and literally with distrust in the government and an itch for action. The main characters and the rest of the cast do a decent job in this fast-paced production based on the recent history that extends to our time. The stage, costume, and lighting designs are all well-calibrated putting all the accents on acting. This empowers the cast leading to a balanced and convincing with some exceptions run. However, the main problem with the play is the storyline’s reliance on the conspiracy theories and confusing logic. And while the production’s energy and the beat engage the audience, it can not make up for the jumble of accusations and the tragedy in the play finale. For tickets click here.

Tag: Off Broadway