Sexy Sells: "Forever Tango"

Gilberto Santa Rosa and the cast and musicians of Luis Bravo's "Forever Tango," in a photo by Walter McBride.

Tango is about desire and possession.

Luis Bravo's "Forever Tango," returning from a world tour to The Walter Kerr Theatre through September 15th, is a showcase for the ritualized sexiness of this aggressively elegant dance.

Karina Smirnoff and Max Chmerkovskiy with the cast of "Forever Tango." Photo by Walter McBride.

Guilty pleasure and fan favorite Maxsim Chmerkovskiy adds his "Dancing with the Stars" charisma as a Guest in "Forever Tango," partnering with the lovely and talented Karina Smirnoff, herself a mirror ball trophy winner on the ABC show. The varied choreography -- no small feat in such a familiar dance form-- is attributed to The Dancers, each pair of whom is responsible for the acts they perform. The exception is "Comme I'll Faut," choreographed by Juan Paulo Horvath and Victoria Galoto for Max and Karina. 

Juan Paulo Horvath and Victoria Galoto in Luis Bravo's "Forever Tango," at the Walter Kerr through September 15th. Photo by Walter McBride.

In a tribute to the signature instrument that gives the tango its distinctive sound, Juan emerges from a giant bandoneon in "Preludio del Bandoneon y la Noche" to be joined by Victoria coming from the wings. Juan has his own somewhat gangsterish charm and is very dapper in spats and fedora. 

The many and also varied costumes for "Forever Tango" are the design of Argemira Affonso, each costume change setting up the scene and the characters. Of course, the tuxedo or some variant is the staple for the men in many of the tangos. It's the ladies who get to show off leg in black split skirts with red trim, or in slinky white sequined gowns. It's also the ladies, who Ginger Rogers-like, do what the men do, just backwards and in stilettos. 

Erotic and dangerous, rugged and delicate, the tango requires precision and artistry, all of which the cast provide in abundance. Gilberto Santa Rosa, "El Caballeor de la Salsa," with five Grammies to his name, sings bewitchingly of longing and love, sometimes in accompaniment of the dancers, sometimes on his own. 3-time Latin Grammy and Granmy Award winner, Luis Enrique takes over for him on July 30th.

Ariel Manzanares and Natalia Turelli are the comic relief in "Forever Tango," and they take their role very seriously. For example, in the wry "La Tablada," the couple fight over an elicit camera which they in turn flash at the orchestra and each other. Manzanares gives witty impersonations of a clown in his appearances, while Turelli plays the straight woman to perfection.

The large company of dancers, as well as the on-stage orchestra, has clearly been chosen from the best of the best.

“Forever Tango” is not a prescriptive or a rallying cry, but a promise. There is infinite variety in the ardor of its movements which promises lifetimes of pleasure.

For more information about Luis Bravo's "Forever Tango," please visit http://forevertangobroadway.com/.

It's a "Happy Birthday" when Addie comes out of her shell

Being drunk and lovesick may not be an ideal combination.

In Anita Loos's "Happy Birthday," at Theatre Row;s Beckett Theatre in a TACT production through April 13th, the combination proves magical.

Mary Bacon as Addie Bemis and Todd Gearhart as Paul Bishop in "Happy Birthday." Photo by Hunter Canning.

The mousy librarian, Miss Addie Bemis (Mary Bacon) is lovestruck. She shows up at Gail Hosmer's (Karen Ziemba) Jersey Mecca Cocktail Lounge to warn Paul Bishop (Todd Gearhart) that her father Homer (Anderson Matthews) intends him harm. Paul is the object of Miss Bemis's affections.

Don't know how many of us thrive through liberal doses of alcoholic beverages, but Addie Bemis comes into her own the more she drinks. Her priggishness melts and her confidence builds. As the evening goes on, she is sure she can get Mr. Bishop away from Miss Maude Carson (Victoria Mack.)

Addie's barroom full of new friends, and the audience, are all pulling for her. The bartender, Herman (Ron McClary) gives her godfatherly advice. She sings, she dances, but can she prevail over Miss Carson's obvious charms?

The large cast to a man and woman are as delightful as the lighthearted, but savvy, romance in "Happy Birthday." Mary Bacon is especially poweful, as she carries Addie seamlessly from stiff to giddy.

The TACT's "Happy Birthday" is a gift.

For more information on "Happy Birthday," please visit http://tactnyc.org/
 

In The Mood for Love?

With Valentine's Day approaching, many of us turn our thoughts to couplehood-- which includes love, of course, and often much more.

Cora Bissett as Helena with Matthew Pidgeon as Bob in "Midsummer [a play with songs]" by David Grieg, who also directs with songs by Gordon McIntyre. Costumes by Georgia McGuiness. at the Clurman. Photo by Douglas Robertson 

Each year, Carol Tambor heads to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to sample the unusual and find the play she deems to be "Best of Edinburgh." The Carol Tambor Theatrical Foundation then presents the play thus designated to New York audiences. Last year the work was "Leo" (See review on these pages.)  This year, "Midsummer [a play with songs]"by David Grieg, who also directs, at Theatre Row's Clurman Theatre through January 26th, shares the Award with "Mies Julie," currently running at St. Ann's Warehouse.

"Midsummer [a play with songs]" is an early Valentine's gift from Ms Tambor to us. In "Midsummer [a play with songs]" romance is a by-product of a quest.  

Searching for meaning in booze, sex and bondage (it's a long story!), Helena (Cora Bissett) and Bob (Matthew Pidgeon) find something far more valuable-- friendship and ₤15,000.

When they meet, Bob is reading "Dostoyevsky... to cheer himself up." Despite his overtly intellectual endeavors, Bob is "a f****** underachiever." Their match-up is improbable. He is a low to mid level crook, and she's a swanky divorce lawyer.

Photo by Douglas Robertson. Helena (Cora Bissett) and Bob (Matthew Pidgeon) in "Midsummer [a play with songs]" by David Grieg, who also directs with songs by Gordon McIntyre. Costumes by Georgia McGuiness.

"Midsummer [a play with songs]" is not for everyone. Love and romance mingles with philosophical asides and silliness in this not strictly linear tale. Songs are interspersed with the narrative and dialogue. "And so-- when you see them -- the runners," Helena says, "weaving and glistening through the crowds-- you might think, 'look at them, the fools, they're trying to run away from death,' -- but they're not-- they're honestly not-- they're running towards something...."

The central bed is the all-purpose set, cleverly designed by Georgia McGuiness, which also has convenient storage for some of the props the actors need.

Photo by Douglas Robertson of Matthew Pidgeon as Bob and Cora Bissett as Helena in "Midsummer [a play with songs]" by David Grieg, who also directs with songs by Gordon McIntyre. Costumes by Georgia McGuiness. 

While you're in a romantic mood, take your sweetie to see "Perfect Catch," being reprised at Canal Park Playhouse on Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm and 4pm through February.

"Perfect Catch," billed as "Throw-mantic Comedy"  takes mime and juggling to Hollywood. Just watching
Jen Slaw and Michael Karas toss umbrellas to the soundtrack of "Singing In The Rain" is worth the price of admission.

To get tickets for "Midsummer [a play with songs]," visit www.telecharge.com. To learn more about "Perfect Catch," visit www.canalparkplayhouse.com

Flawed heroes: "Cyrano De Bergerac" and "The Whale"

Sometimes, we allow even minor physical flaws to represent all our failings.

The hero in "Cyrano De Bergerac," at the Roundabout's American Airlines Theatre through  November 25th, allows his comically large nose to be an impediment to his happiness.

Cyrano (Douglas Hodge) does not suffer fools. He triumphs with his sabre-sharp intelligence and sharper sword. It is his generous heart and animated wit that that command the loyalty of his regiment as well as of his fellow poets and gad-abouts.

Samuel Roukin as Valvert and Douglas Hodge as Cyrano in Roundabout's production of Edmond Rostand's "Cyrano De Bergerac." Photo by Joan Marcus

The excitement with which his companions anticipate Cyrano's arrival energizes the already vibrant opening scene in "Cyrano De Bergerac." When he finally bursts in, Cyrano mesmerizes with the force of his outsized personality. Douglas Hodge embues Cyrano with so much gusto and fire that he seems to be a mythical hero.

Cyrano and Christian (Kyle Soller), a handsome newly recruited cadet are bonded by their rivalry for Roxanne's (Clémence Poésy) love.

Clémence Poésy as Roxanne, Kyle Soller as Christian with Douglas Hodge as Cyrano. Photo by Joan Marcus.

Edmond Rostand's gorgeous and enduring masterpiece of unrequited love gets a beautifully fluid verse translation from Ranjit Bolt in this gorgeous and opulent production.

Roxanne, taken by Christian's good looks, is even more intoxicated by the rapturous words of love Cyrano writes for him.  Cyrano and Christian share an allegiance that leads to sacrifice. The love in "Cyrano De Bergerac" is unconsummated, tender and wildly romantic.

Peter Bradbury, Jack  Cutmore-Scott, Douglas Hodge, Okeeriete Onaodowan, Samuel Roukin, Bill Buell, and Andy Grotelueschen in "Cyrano De Bergerac." Photo by Joan Marcus. 

In an excellent and extensive ensemble, Douglas Hodge is a marvel. His performance is both natural and incredible. His Cyrano is a gigantic and imposing figure. After a powerful performance as Spidey's over-miked nemesis, The Green Goblin,  Patrick Page plays a subtler role as a foppish villain, the Comte de Guiche, 

Jamie Lloyd's imaginative direction gives this "Cyrano De Bergerac" a feeling of accessibility. It's somehow akin to gourmet comfort food, familiar in its outlines, astounding in the details of its ingredients. The sets and costumes by Soutra Gilmour provide a lush and elegant backdrop on which Cyrano's touching story plays out. 

The physical also looms large in Samuel D. Hunter's "The Whale," at Playwrights Horizons through December 9th.

 In "The Whale,"Charlie (Shuler Hensley) is so grotesquely overweight that he can barely move around the epic dump (set by Mimi Lien) of an apartment in which he lives. His 600+ lbs have made breathing difficult and painful. Liz (Cassie Beck), his impromptu visiting nurse and friend, lovingly and disgustedly hurls abuse at him while she cares for him.   They are both aware that he is dying.

Like Cyrano, Charlie is a wordsmith. His job is to offer on-line tutorials on term papers. He is a very nonjudgmental teacher. Charlie is a softee with a rosy view of human potential and kindness. In contrast, all the women in his life are tough and angry.

Regina de Courcy, as Ellie, his strange and estranged teenage daughter, gives a brilliant portrayal of a smart and smart-mouthed misfit. Shuler Hensley makes this bleak tale of a man isolated in his immobility riveting.

Samuel D. Hunter's "The Whale"is a well-conceived play but Rostand's "Cyrano De Bergerac" is an iconic and soaringly wonderful with  beauty-and-the- beast themed work. The Roundabout has done it proud.

For more information on "The Whale," please visit Playwrights Horizons.

To learn more about the Roundabout and its production of  "Cyrano De Bergerac," please go to  Roundabout Theatre Company.

"Ghost..." Haunts A Broadway Stage

Who knew blockbuster was spelled G_h_o_s_t?

Caissie Levy as Molly Jensen and cast in “Ghost the Musical.” Photo © Joan Marcus.

Bruce Joel Rubin (book & lyrics) has adapted his Academy Award winning film into "Ghost the Musical," in the Lunt-Fontaine Theatre for what may prove to be a very long run. (See videos from the show at www.ghostonbroadway.com.)

Caissie Levy as Molly Jensen, Richard Fleeshman as Sam Wheat and Bryce Pinkham as Carl Bruner in “Ghost the Musical.” Photo © Joan Marcus.

"Ghost the Musical" merges the cinematic with the dramatic into a spectacular spindrift of song, dance and romance. Matthew Warchus helms a musical play with many moving parts all of which contribute to the atmosphere of other-worldly excitement. The visual tricks (Illusions by Paul Kieve and Video & Projections by Jon Driscoll in a prodcution designed by Rob Howell) will convince the greatest cynic that there are ghosts among us. Ashley Wallen's dynamic choreography, with additional movement sequences by Liam Steel keep up the pace and tension in "Ghost the Musical" even for those of us who have seen the iconic movie.

Da”Vine Joy Randolph as Oda Mae Brown, Richard Fleeshman as Sam Wheat and Jeremy Davis as a Bank Officer in “Ghost the Musical.” Photo © Joan Marcus.

Like the movie's plot, "Ghost the Musical" is a simple romantic fantasy. After he is murdered in what looks like a street robbery gone bad, Sam Wheat (Richard Fleeshman) can find no peace until he makes an honest psychic out of the con woman Oda Mae Brown (Da'Vine Joy Randolph). In "Ghost the Musical," Sam comes to rely on Oda Mae to keep his girlfriend, Molly Jensen (Caissie Levy) out of harm's way and to avenge his untimely death. Whoopi Goldberg's fans won't be disappointed in Randolph's sassy Oda Mae, who turns out to have a gift for leading souls to their rest. Randolph is a triple threat star, acting, singing and dancing; her Oda Mae has swagger and vulnerability as she reluctantly befriends Sam's ghost.

Da”Vine Joy Randolph as Oda Mae Brown and cast in “Ghost the Musical.” Photo © Joan Marcus.

Fleeshman develops his character well showing first Sam's bewilderment at what has happened to him, and then his tenacity at making things right. Carl Bruner (Bryce Pinkham), Sam's colleague who hits on Molly a little too soon, is swarmy and appropriately a little creepy. Levy and Fleeshman are pretty to watch adding the heat to this love story.

Caissie Levy as Molly Jensen and Richard Fleeshman as Sam Wheat at the pottery wheel in “Ghost the Musical.” Photo © Joan Marcus.

Even the technical glitch that held up the conclusion in act two at the preview performance this reviewer attended kept everyone in their seats. It was taken as a time to talk amongst ourselves and wait patiently. Please visit www.ghostonbroadway.com for tickets and to learn more about the show.

Kate Fodor's "Rx" Is Not A Placebo

Hate your job? There’s a pill for that.

Stephen Kunken, as Dr. Phil Gray, and Marin Hinkle, as Meena Pierotti. Photo © 2012 James Leynse

In Kate Fodor’s new comedy, “Rx,” a Primary Stages production at 59E59 Theaters through 3 Mar., it appears that Big Pharma has a prescription for all of life’s tribulations.

Meena Pierotti (Marin Hinkle), a published poet, is miserable being Managing Editor at “Piggeries, American Cattle & Swine Magazine.”
Schmidt Pharma is developing a drug designed to relieve work-related depression. Meena is the perfect candidate for a clinical trial.

In fact, Dr. Phil Gray (Stephen Kunken), a researcher for the company, tells Meena, when she admits that there are many jobs far worse and more menial than hers, earns upwards of $65,000 and is covered by health insurance.

Marylouise Burke, as Frances, and Marin Hinkle as Meena Photo © 2012 James Leynse

Phil’s boss, Allison (Elizabeth Rich) actually loves her job. She is delighted at the potentially large audience that could benefit from the product they are working on. Her enthusiasm is not infectious. Phil has some doubts whether he shouldn’t be working as a doctor in Africa.

Elizabeth Rich as Allison. Photo © 2012 James Leynse

Meanwhile, Meena, still waiting for the pills to kick in, meets a cheerful widow named Frances (Marylouise Burke), in the old ladies’ underwear section of a neighboring department store. To Meena’s surprise, Frances tells her that she really missed her menial factory job when she got married.

Marylouise Burke, as Frances, and Marin Hinkle as Meena meet in the old ladies underwear section. Photo © 2012 James Leynse

The cast under Ethan McSweeny’s excellent direction gives Kate Fodor’s witty and entertaining script its due. To help keep up the comic pace, Lee Savage cleverly uses modular variations on the Murphy bed in the fluid set design.

Michael Bakkensen as Simon. Photo © 2012 James Leynse

Giving the satire in “Rx” a little extra bite, Marin Hinkle and Stephen Kunken, whose credentials include a 2009 Tony-nod for “Enron,” give affecting naturalistic performances as the romantic leads.

Marin Hinkle as Meena and Stephen Kunken as Phil.Photo © 2012 James Leynse

Paul Niebanck, on the other hand, who also plays neurotic ad exec Richard, gives a broad, almost slapstick turn, as Morgan, a bumbling research doctor in Schmidt’s lab. Rounding out the expert cast as Meena's gung-ho boss Simon is Michael Bakkensen.

Paul Niebanck as Richard. Photo © 2012 James Leynse

In “Rx,” KF writes a prescription for entertaining and earnest humor.

Visit www.primarystages.org to find out more about “Rx"

Romantic At Heart

Everyone needs a little romance, especially as that second week of February approached.

Just in time for Valentine's Day, this group of fourteen troubadors bring us "Lovesick, or Things That Don't Happen," a Project Y Theatre Company presentation at 59E59 Theaters through February 25th.

The series of vignettes are vaguely linked by recurringly named- characters. Oh, yes, and by a sort of hipster cynicism about love. Although, that cynicism may be masking a warped romaticism.

Jessica Varley as Amy in “Lovesick…” Photo © Matthew Murphy

The "Things That Don't Happpen" are charmingly funny, as for instance, the former banker now crack whore. "I prefer narcotic prostitute," Jessica (Teresa Stephenson) tells Brian (Andrew William Smith).

Andrew William Smith, Jeff Tuohy, Joachim Boyle and Barrett Hall in “Lovesick…” Photo © Matthew Murphy

The charm is in the performances given by the young cast. The funny is in the off-handedly easy going stories and songs from the creative team of Lia Romeo (plays), Michole Biancosino (concept and direction) and Tony Biancosino (songs). Each playlet is punctuated by an upbeat musical number.

Elizabeth Elkins as Wendy and Joe Varca as Max in “Lovesick…” Photo © Matthew Murphy

In one skit, Max (Joe Varca) tells Wendy (Elizabeth Elkins) a whooping sad tale in order to win her back. Then, after an on-stage costume change, they sing "Oh oh oh, I'm changing/.../ Yeah, I'm changing for you. It's almost subtle, and very entertaining.

Each of the seven witty little pieces in "Lovesick..." take a slightly askew look at love and its iterations.

Improbability meets passion. These folks wouldn't be suggesting that love could make anything come true, would they?

Michael Nathanson as Jack and Rian Alfiero as Father in “Lovesick…” Photo © Matthew Murphy

Michael Nathanson plays host as the MC for the evening, engaging the audience in silly exchanges. The actors double as the house band so that the evening has a free-flowing welcome to my club feel.

To learn more about "Lovesick..." go to www.59e59.org.

Stay Awake while "One Thousand Blinks" experiments with "micro sleep"

How much more could you accomplish if you didn't sleep?

A truly dedicated worker might be as productive as Morgan (Mark Cajigao) whose Sisyphesian task it is to translate a book on an unfamiliar subject in a language he does not know.

In "One Thousand Blinks," at 59E59 Theaters through January 29th, an odd scientist named Dr. Luk (Rachel Cornish) imposes an experiment in "Micro Sleep" on an unwitting Morgan.

Mark Cajigao as Morgan and Rachel Cornish as Dr. Luk in “One Thousand Blinks” Photo © Sara Brown

Hired in a far away land to teach a class that is indefinitely postponed, Morgan is instead offered the opportunity to make a lot more money working non-stop in a tiny room. The money is tempting as is the idea of hard work. You see, Morgan feels like a slacker for having his girlfriend, Jenny (Estelle Bajou), support him.

Mark Cajigao as Morgan and Estelle Bajou as Jenny in “One Thousand Blinks” Photo © Sara Brown

Jenny has sleep issues of her own, it turns out, mostly in the form of nightmares that are exploited by her ex-boyfriend, Bram (Drew Hirshfield). Unlike Morgan, Bram is successful and accomplished.

"One Thousand Blinks" is an engaging and spooky undertaking. Playwright Nick Starr keeps the suspense and mystery without letting strangeness become the point.

Mark Cajigao is endearing as Morgan struggling to be diligent. Rachel Cornish is serenely funny as her robotic Dr. Luk calmly terrorizes the hapless Morgan. Drew Hirshfield's Bram is smarmy and oily, and Estelle Bajou portrays Jenny as a fierce victim.

Estelle Bajou as Jenny and Drew Hirshfield as Bram in “One Thousand Blinks” Photo © Sara Brown

With a cast dedicated to making everything appear normal, "One Thousand Blinks" triumphs as a highly askew romantic comedy.

For a schedule and tickets for "One Thousand Blinks" by Nick Starr, directed by Melinda Sorci in theNest production at 59E59 Theaters, visit 59e59.org

Who exactly is "Sid James"?

See The Best of Sid James which includes the Carry On films in which he played a sly lecherous Cockney.

It's not giving too much aways to say that this is a romance that doesn't stand a chance.

"Kissing Sid James," at 59E59 Theaters through January 1, is Robert Farquhar's sad-funny new play about a ill-suited couple's sad-funny weekend away.

Crystal (Charlotte McKinney)is a vivacious young woman, who works as a croupier; Eddie (Alan Drake) invites her away for a tryst in the country. "You didn't have any... niggling... You didn't think, just you and me here," she asks him, "that we might not get along."

Photo by Carol Rosegg Alan Drake as Eddie with “the tash” and Charlotte McKinney as Crystal in “Kissing Sid James,” a Brits Off Broadway Festival offering

Crystal recognizes that Eddie has his charms, but he is basically a loser. Alan Drake is marvelously deflated as the hapless lothario. She is clearly far more imaginative than the uninspired Eddie.

After an awkward start, Crystal and Eddie settle in to some sex --which she initiates,-- and then to a rainy stay and a very contentious game of Scrabble. "This is it. Life, the great non-starter," Crystal announces in desperation at her choices.

For more information about Brits Off Broadway and "Kissing Sid James,' visit

Throwing her voice, or throwing apples, either way, beguiling

It's all about love and juggling!

Perfect Catch,billed as "Throw-mantic Comedy" at Canal Park Playhouse through November 27th, follows the formula set by Hollywood for romantic comedies. Boy and girl meet, but they don't really like each other and, then suddenly, something happens to spark an interest, and finally, they are in the throes of an endearing love.

Jen Slaw and Michael Karas are jugglers who conduct their romance in near-complete silence, except for a timeless soundtrack. The pop 40s, some of them from the 40s, include some wonderfully quirky renditions of the standards like "Mister Sandman," "It Had to Be You," "I Want to Hold Your Hand," "9 to 5" and "Fernando's Hideaway."

The juggling umbrellas set to "Singing in the Rain" create a little peril for our lovely duo, he a little nerdy, she poised and glamorous.

Meanwhile, Nina Conti does an altogether different brand of throwing.
She is a world renowned ventriloquist enjoying her United States debut in "Nina Conti Talk to the Hand" at 59E59 Theaters in the Brits Off Broadway festivities for one week only through November 13th.

Nina Conti with her several character puppets has won awards for comedy from the BBC and the Barry Comedy Award at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Be warned, this is not a child-friendly show. Not that there's anything wrong with children. You may want to keep them away from the X-rated shenanigans of Monkey. Nina Conti is attractive and charming, and has a disarming way of laughing at the jokes she is about to tell through her puppets.

For more information on "Perfect Catch" go to www.canalparkplayhouse.com
For tickets for "Nina Conti Talk to the Hand" visit www.59e59.org or BritsOffBroadway.com