"Harrison, TX..." Delves Deeply Into Human Frailty and Strength

Tony Award nominee Jayne Houdyshell
(for Follies and Well) speaks about her current role in "Harrison, TX: Three Plays by Horton Foote" at Primary Stages.

The places in which we grew up have stories to tell.



Evan Jonigkeit, Hallie Foote, Andrea Lynn Green, Devon Abner in "Blind Date" from "Harrison, TX: Three Plays by Horton Foote" at Primary Stages at 59E59 Theaters. © 2012 James Leynse.

At least that's true if you're Horton Foote, whose first play, "Texas Town" was produced off-Broadway in 1941. And his favorite Texas town was the fictional "Harrison, TX" which stood in for his birthplace of Wharton in many of his plays.

In "Harrison, TX: Three Plays by Horton Foote," a bundled compiliation of works written at different times, at Primary Stages at 59E59 Theaters through  September 15th, Foote's subtle and sincere character sketches are minutely drawn. Each play on the program quickly captures the essence of its characters.

The accomplished cast, led by Horton Foote's eldest daughter, Hallie (a Tony-nominee for her work in her father's "Dividing The Estate," which premiered at Primary Stages before its Broadway transfer), convey the poignancy and humor in these brief tales. This production is something of a family affair, featuring Hallie Foote's husband, Devon Abner, himself a veteran of other Horton Foote productions and an ensemble many of whom  have also appeared in other Foote plays.


The first of the three plays is the sweetly funny "Blind Date," which has Dolores (Hallie Foote) fussing over her truculent niece, Sarah Nancy (Andrea Lynn Green.) Green's clumping Sarah Nancy is delightful.


There are some particularly sharp insights into the avuncular C.W. Rowe (Jeremy Bobb), the executive in "The One-Armed Man," part two on the bill, whose sense of charity is shaded by his self-importance.




Jeremy Bobb and Devon Abner in "The One-Armed Man" from  "Harrison, TX: Three Plays by Horton Foote" at Primary Stages at 59E59 Theaters. © 2012 James Leynse.

"The Midnight Caller" is a wistful look at winners and losers in love. In it, Miss Rowena Douglas (Jayne Houdyshell) is incurably romantic, staring at fireflies and the harvest moon from the windows of the boarding house she shares with two other women. Alma Jean Jordan (Mary Bacon) and "Cutie" Spencer (Andrea Lynn Green, showing her versatility), stenographers in the local courthouse, each resigned in her own way to spinsterhood. When their landlady, Mrs. Crawford (Hallie Foote) takes in new boarders, Helen Crews (Jenny Dare Paulin) and a gentlemen, Mr. Ralph Johnston (Jeremy Bobb) scandal enters their parlor. Helen's former lover, Harvey Weems (Alexander Cendese) crys out into the night for a love lost while another love blossoms.



Clockwise from left: Jayne Houdyshell, Mary Bacon, Jeremy Bobb, Andrea Lynn Green, Jenny Dare Paulin, and Alexander Cendese in "The Midnight Caller" from "Harrison, TX: Three Plays by Horton Foote" at Primary Stages at 59E59 Theaters. © 2012 James Leynse.

  

Everything in the Pam McKinnon-helmed production is dry and spare. Marion Williams has made some excellent choices in the scenic design, using a simple and versatile staircase to help delineate and define the small space in each of the three short works. The costumes by Kate Voyce elegantly reflect the time periods - 1928 for the first two and 1952 for the last- of each story.



Understanding the heart and soul is an attribute of the greatest philosopher-writers. It's not for nothing that Horton Foote has been referred to as the American Anton Chekhov. He is plainspoken and straightforward, yet sees the nuances and foibles in humanity.In 1996, Foote was inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame, just one among his many honors which included two Academy Awards and a Pulitzer.


To find out more about "Harrison, TX: Three Plays by Horton Foote," please visit http://primarystages.org/ 

Going to the Edge: Fringe Festivals

Darian Dauchan in "Death Boogie" with music by The Mighty Third Rail

You have to go a little further these days to deliver cutting-edge. Tricks of the trade from happenrings and multi-media presentation to theater of the absurd have become standards in all staged productions, and not just the experimental ones.

Playwrights reciting monologues, incorporating video into their stories, engaging -- or surrounding-- the audience are all part of the main stage and the "fringe" scene. These days, it's probably content more than style that distinguishes "fringe" entertainments from the mainstream.

And speaking of going far, some of you will go as far as Scotland to the venerable 65-year old Edinburgh Festival Fringe. This year, we've already previewed a very small sampling of what you should see at Edinburgh Festival Fringe while East to Edinburgh was at 59E59 Theaters earlier.


Some of us are staying closer to Broadway at downtown's New York International Fringe, celebrating its sixteenth anniversary from August 10th to 26th.

First for the NYC homebodies: At FringeNYC, there is a plethora of events including 1200 performances ranging from monologues to musicals.  Among them, a New York premiere of the intriguingly-titled "The Zebra Shirt of Lonely Children," starring Matthew Trumbull, running from the 11th to the 24th of August at The Players Theatre.The Players, of course is just one of the many venues at which FringeNYC is being shown.

Matthew Trumbull in "The Zebra Shirt of Lonely Children," photo (c) Kyle Ancowitz 

"Mother Eve’s Secret Garden of Sensual Sisterhood," an  award-winning fringe-fest musical, with an equally interesting title, is playing at The Players Theatre from the 15th through the 26th.

 "Mother Eve's Secret Gardent of Sensual Sisterhood"

Jennifer Jajeh's "I Heart Hamas..." on the program at Edinburgh from August 14-25th, takes a fresh perspective in describing her experience as a Palestinian American. There's humor and a direct honesty in her interesting solo show. (Visit www.ihearthamas.com to see more.)

Appearing from the 14th to 27th of August at the Scotland Fest, "Death Boogie" is a provocative multi-media musical, starring Darian Dauchan and the musicians of The Mighty Third Rail. "Death Boogie" has a distinctive and original point of view. (See http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/theatre/death-boogie for details.)

Sandro Monetti's monologue about Hollywood's big names, "Clooney, Cowell, Pitt and Me..." is tabloid newstand fun. He's performing only on August 18th. (Learn more at www.sandromonetti.com.)  It will come as no surprise to hear that naricism comes with being celebrated in tinsel town, but it is nice to hear about it from Monetti's first-hand encounters.  

"Eat Sh*t, How Our Waste Can Save The World" definitely falls into the far-out subject matter bucket.
The playlet, presented by Shawn Shafner's The Poop Project, is in fact a bit polemical, if very sincere. It will be at Edinburgh from August 15th to 27th. (Visit www.thePOOPproject.org to find out more.)

Visit http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on to see Edinburgh Festival Fringe program schedules. For more information and tickets for FringeNYC, go to http://www.fringenyc.org/

Baiting The Trap in "Bullet for Adolf"

BTW, It's extended through October 21st! 

 (L-R) Shamika Cotton, Tyler Jacob Rollinson, Marsha Stephanie Blake, Shannon Garland, Lee Osorio, Brandon Coffey, and David Coomber in a scene from Woody Harrelson & Frankie Hyman’s “Bullet for Adolf” at New World Stages. Photo credit: Carol Rosegg

 Sometimes silliness is so sublime (think Marx Brothers) it feels like a gift from above.

(L-R) Tyler Jacob Rollinson and Lee Osorio in a scene from Woody Harrelson & Frankie Hyman’s “Bullet for Adolf” at New World Stages. Photo credit: Carol Rosegg

"Bullet for Adolf,"at New World Stages through September 9th, has the finely-honed madcap just right.
Frankie Hyman and Woody Harrelson have penned a rambling, nutty satiric comedy which Harrelson also directs at a pace that encourages the meandering spirit of the piece to find its own way.



 Brandon Coffey and Marsha Stephanie Blake in a scene from Woody Harrelson & Frankie Hyman’s “Bullet for Adolf” at New World Stages. Photo credit: Carol Rosegg


Tastelessness is high art in  "Bullet for Adolf." The plot is thin but meaty and involves the theft of a WWII artifact.

Prepare for rousing displays of misogyny and racism along with sweetly-wrought foul language. "Bullet for Adolf" hits many a social target. 

In a fine ensemble of doers and slackers, Marsha Stephanie Blake as Shareeta does a stand-out job. The sets, designed by Dane Laffrey, go from sparse to plush while we are distracted by a vintage 1983 video montage in the production design from Imaginary Media.   

"Bullet for Adolf" is unabashedly offensive, and extremely funny.

For a schedule of performance and ticket information for  "Bullet for Adolf," visit http://www.bulletforadolf.com/

"The Unbearable Lightness of Being"... A Cheerleader

Cheerleading is not a philosophical endeavor. We get that. But it should have plenty of verve.

"Bring It On, The Musical," at the St. James Theatre for a limited run through October 7th, wants to make absolutely clear that it is a physically demanding activity.



The cast of "Bring It On" (C) Photo by Joan Marcus

In fact, Campbell (Taylor Louderman) narrates the facts of her life as she becomes the captain of the Truman pep-squad, introducing the predictable power points that describe this spirited pursuit and the dedication with which she pursues it. Complications follow when Campbell is transferred to Jackson High in a stroke of redistricting. At Jackson, Campbell meets Danielle (Adrienne Warren) the leader of a dance crew.Will she triumph and find her "One Perfect Moment?" 

Taylor Louderman, Neil Haskell, Kate Rockwell, and Janet Krupin (c) Photo by Joan Marcus 

The songs (by the usually brilliant Lin-Manuel Miranda ("In The Heights" was terrific)  who teams up with Amanda Green on lyrics and Tom Kitt for the music) narrate a dull recitation of the lives of girls determined to win a state championship in rallying. Jeff Whitty has created a libretto based on the 2000 movie written by Jessica Bendinger to take "Bring It On" to the stage.

Adrienne Warren and cast. Photo (c) Joan Marcus 

Once there, even with propulsive rally-squad moves and togh hip-hop inflected dancing (choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler, who also directs), "Bring It On" dies a thousand deaths. Stereotypes abound: the black girls (and guys) are cool, the white girls vapid. Campbell's boyfriend Steve (Neil Haskell) is pretty effectively channelling his inner Woody Harrelson as Woody Boyd from "Cheers."  Despite the paucity of interesting characters, Adrienne Warren as the head of the Jackson dancers,  and Ryann Redmond as the fat girl, Bridget, are both quite charming.

Gasps of admiration at girls tossed into the air and landing gracefully quickly dissipate in the general dumbing down. Unfortunately dumbing down seems to have risen to a competitive sport in this musical. Aiming squarely for the lowest common denominator, "Bring It On" hits its target.

For more information about "Bring It On, The Musical," visit  http://www.bringitonmusical.com/

Remembering Her Grandmother, Sarah

Photo by Kate Sanderson Holly

The loss of a loved one can be a powerful impetus for a story-teller.

In " My Mind is Like an Open Meadow," at 59E59 Theaters through August 19th, Erin Leddy memorializes her grandmother through a recorded interview with Sarah Braverman and in song and dance. The one-woman production has a unique style:  Erin Leddy's grandmother, Sarah Braverman  is her co-cast member, speaking through a boom-box.   

"My Mind is Like an Open Meadow" is the briefest of excursions, lasting just about 60 minutes, and is sufficiently diverting. The symbolic significance of the carefully laid-out set is sometimes hard to comprehend.  

Photo by Kate Sanderson Holly

 While it is abundantly clear that Erin Leddy is mourning her grandmother in "My Mind is Like an Open Meadow,"  it is far from evident that she has created a cogent story line from her grief.

For more information on "My Mind is Like an Open Meadow," please visit www.59e59.org 

We will miss them when they're gone....

Shows come and go all the time. It's the nature of theatrical presentation. Here are a few closing soon, you should catch if you can....

 "Memphis: The Musical" is heading out on tour around the country after its close this Sunday, August 5th. It has had more than 100 performances during its run. When Chad Kimball left the show, Adam Pascal (as Huey) joined the fabulous Montego Glover (as Felicia) in the dramatic musical. Go to http://memphisthemusical.com/ for tickets and informaton.

Despite it's Tony win, the Broadway transfer of "Clybourne Park" will go dark after it's September 2nd performance, although it's website refers to this as an extension: http://clybournepark.com/.

It's based on the film and a bit of fluff, but the star,  Patina Miller [since replaced by Raven-Symone] was a standout. It's closing on August 26th.

Visit http://sisteractbroadway.com/ for tickets.

 

Ugly is as ugly does in 'DOGFIGHT" -- gets a second look

This is an update since we had a chance to give "Dogfight" a second look!

For some, cruelty is a birthright. For others a rite of passage. 

"Dogfight," the new musical  playing at Second Stage Theatre through August 19th, doesn't examine the fine points of meanness and callousness. It does offer an improbable, or on second peek moving, redemption for Eddie Birdlace (Derek Klena.) Rose Feeney (Lindsay Mendez) sees past the ugliness of his actions and his physical good looks.

Lindsay Mendez as Rose with Derek Klena as Birdlace and company in the musical “Dogfight.” Photo © Joan Marcus.

 

In "Dogfight," with music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and a book by Peter Duchan based on the 1991 indie film of the same name, male bonding is mostly abusive and nasty. The girls, like Marcy (Annaleigh Ashford) and Chippy (Deirdre Friel, who also plays a number of other cameos) and even Rose are either victims, or just wanna have fun. Eddie and his pals, Boland (Josh Segarra) and Bernstein (Nick Blaemire), the three Bs, are marines on the eve of shipping out. Their destinaton is Vietnam. 

F. Michael Haynie as Fector, Nick Blaemire as Bernstein, Adam Halpin as Stevens, Josh Segarra as Boland, and Steven Booth as Gibbs in “Dogfight.” Photo © Joan Marcus.

This last night in San Francisco is for them to have "Some Kinda Time," as the opening number suggests. The songs are not unpleasantly generic '60s style pop, maybe with a bit of an edge to match the subject matter. The acting is good, particularly Derek Klena and Lindsay Mendez as the leads, and Annaleigh Ashford's Marcy is tough as nails and terrific.

DeirdreFriel as Bernstein’s silent date, Nick Blaemire as Bernstein, Derek Klena as Birdlace, Lindsay Mendez as Rose, Josh Segarra as Boland, and Annaleigh Ashford as Marcy in the musical “Dogfight.” Photo © Joan Marcus.  

"Dogfight" is about insensitivity and heartlessness. Why are we not championing the women these marines treat so badly? It seems like we should be more concerned. The story line while both disturbing and satisfying, still manages to be bland. "Dogfight" uses the familiarity of its musical style, the dancing, and the wrap-around sets of staircases and catwalks, designed by David Zinn, to bolster the weakness of its plot.

So, about that second look: "Dogfight" was much more engaging the second time around. Its central characters were touching and its storyline was poignant. Even the music flowed better and was more interesting.  

  Derek Klena as Birdlace, James Moye as the party singer, Lindsay Mendez as Rose in the musical “Dogfight.” Photo © Joan Marcus.

To find out more about "Dogfight" visit http://www.2st.com/.

"Slowgirl" exhilirates

"Slowgirl" at Claire Tow

So often it happens that bad things come from the exercise of poor judgement.

In Greg Pierce's "Slowgirl," produced by LCT3 at the new Claire Tow Theaer, and in a twice-extended run through August 5th, there is plenty of anguish to go around.

A tragedy brings Becky (Sarah Steele) to seek haven with her uncle Sterling (Željko Ivanek).

Like Becky, Sterling is harboring a secret.  The fast-talking Becky and her near-silent uncle are each complicit and share a sense of guilt for very different incidents in their lives.

Sarah Steele and Željko Ivanek Photo © Erin Baiano.

The mystery that is buried in "Slowgirl"unravels over four scenes at Sterling's Costa Rican jungle home.
Sterling's affection for his niece eventually gives him the impetus to move ahead.

Sarah Steele's privileged 17-year old hides her pain in bravado. Hers is a smooth and seamless performance. In the diminutive and lovely Claire Tow Theater, its easy to see Željko Ivanek's every raised eyebrow. His dismay as Becky chatters, blurting every inappropriate thought, is beautifully nuanced and perfectly timed.  Anne Kaufman's direction allows the plot to unfold unexpectedly, keeping the enigmaiic center of "Slowgirl" alive throughout.

The sets, by Rachel Hauck, and sound, by Leah Gelpe, imaginatively invoke the bucolic tropical forest.  Their designs add to the simple exoticism of "Slowgirl."

To get tickets and find out more about "Slowgirl" visit http://www.lincolncentertheater.org/.

Željko Ivanek Photo © Erin Baiano.

A word about the theater at LCT3:

The Claire Tow Theater sits atop the Vivian Beaumont and Mitzi Newhouse Theaters on the Lincoln Center Campus at 63rd and Broadway. The newly-built LEED-certified strucure is really extremely beautiful. It features along with its expertly designed 112 seat interior, a green roof; insulated glass and recycled materials were used in its construction.

The Claire Tow is a breathtaking space in which to showcase the works of emerging playwrights.

"Hell: Paradise Found" is-- dare I say it-- Heavenly

Stacy Panitch as Mother Maria Theresa with Matt Lewis as Simon Ackerman in “Hell: Paradise Found” Photo © Chip Cooper

Is Hell the thinking man's Heaven?

In "Hell: Paradise Found," at 59E59 Theaters through July 22nd, playwright Seth Panitch envisions an alternative view of Hell and Heaven.

In Panitch's minority report, there's less brimstone and more brainstorm, as it were, in his Hell. Hell is the destination for "the originals," as The Interviewer (Seth Panitch, who directs) puts it while inducting Simon Ackerman (Matt Lewis) into the afterlife.

Simon is reluctant to go to Hell even though Heaven is dull. "Who do you suppose goes to Heaven anyway," The Interviewer asks. "Anyone.... anyone who defers to another explanation, anyone who believes because they are told to believe... or stops questioning," he says, " because they are told to 'have faith.'"

In this witty play with music, Hell is peopled with luminaries from Vlad the Impaler (Chip Persons who also plays Lucifer, a Dapper Devil in the opening dance number, and a judge), Don Juan and Hitler (Lawson Hangartner who also has a turn as Adam and Elvis), Eve and Lizzie Borden (Alexandra Ficken), Mother Maria Theresa (Stacy Panitch) and Einstein, Shakespeare, Sinatra (all Peyton Conley who also portrays a childish and narcissistic archangel Gabriel.)

The Devil and God (Dianne Teague) ultimately have an old-fashioned tousle over Simon's immortal soul, but this "Hell..." is not for humbugs.

For more information about "Hell: Paradise Found" at 59E59 Theaters, go to http://www.59e59.org/ 

A Pitstop On Route To The Venerable Edinburgh Festival Fringe

In 1947 eight theater groups turned up uninvited to the then brand-new Edinburgh International Festival. These pioneering 8 went ahead and staged their shows; in 1959 these "fringe" players were made official by the Festival Fringe Society. The policy The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society established at the start was that "anyone with a story to tell and a venue willing to host them" could present on the annual programs.

59E59 Theaters offers some of those heading out to The Edinburgh Festival Fringe a place to tune up and refresh for the long trip. At "East to Edinburgh 2012," there are sixteen new shows prepping for the competition at the Festival Fringe to delight and intrigue.

Catch up with some old favorites, or meet up with some completely new productions, as the pre-Festival starts on July 10th and runs through July 29th.

Sarah Ruhl's "Dead Man's Cell Phone" rings in from the 19th to the 21st with a young cast. Teen angst set to 1960's Brit-pop rocks "MOD" in performances beginning on July 21st.

"Captain Ferguson's School for Baloon Warfare" makes another appearance at 59E59 before going across the pond to Scotland. (See our review from the eccentric Captain's earlier visit to 59E59.)

From monologues and standup to serious drama, East to Edinburgh showcases a taste of what the big Festival offers.

To find out more about East to Edinburgh and the other productions at 59E59 Theaters, visit, http://www.59e59.org/.

Story Telling Will Save Us!

Now playing at Canal Park Playhouse, in a joint production with a new company called The TRUF, are two short productions meant to connect adult to child.

The adult-friendly children's story, "Sarazad and the Monster-King," playing through July 14th, pits Sarazad (Penny Middleton) against some schoolyard bullies (AJ Converse and Kelly Higgins.)

The imaginative nine-year old Sarazad finds a unique way to regain dominion over the swings. Her fantasies take her into a dream kingdom where the Monster-King (Dean Linnard) threatens to eat her. Just like the Scheherazade of the 1001 Nights, Sarazad weaves tales that are so diverting thatshe uses her skill at storytelling to save herself.

Written by EJC Calvert, "Sarazad and the Monster-King" will amuse both your children and their grandparents. "Sarazad and the Monster-King" is an update on the source material which is both funny and poignant.

To show how stories can save our lives, Frank McGuiness's Tony-nominated play "Someone Who'll Watch Over Me," running through July 15, explores the same theme. In it three men who are political prisoners in Beirut find storytelling as a way to survive.

The TRUF and CPP invite a multi-generational dialogue to come out of its paired offerings. "Someone Who'll Watch Over Me" is not recommended for anyone younger than teenagers, however. "Sarazad and the Monster-King," will please children as young as five or six.

To find out more about the performance schedule and Canal Park Playhouse, visit www.canalparkplayhouse.com

Pop goes "Tiny Dynamite"

Photo © Carol Rosegg around the circle: Christian Conn as Lucien, Olivia Horton as Madeleine, Blake DeLong as Anthony in “Tiny Dynamite” at 59E59 Theaters.

Not all explosions are convulsive.

For instance, there is nothing cataclysmic in Abi Morgan's "Tiny Dynamite," which is enjoying its New York premiere at 59E59 Theaters through July 1st. There are some power surges and lightning strikes in "Tiny Dynamite," but it's a tiny story of loyalty, loss, love and friendship.

Photo © Carol Rosegg around the circle: Olivia Horton as Madeleine, Blake DeLong as Anthony and Christian Conn as Lucien, in “Tiny Dynamite” at 59E59 Theaters.

Lucien (Christian Conn) is a cautious man. His best friend from childhood, Anthony (Blake DeLong) lives an untamed existence. Once a year, Lucien brings Anthony to a cabin by the lake for a summer vacation. This idyl inevitably stirs memories of a woman they both loved. Madeleine (Olivia Horton) enlivens and complicates their relationship.

While the acting rivets the attention, this slight story lacks the intensity to explode in the imagination as a full-blown adventure. It diverts with anecdotes of catastrophes and fatality, without drawing a complete picture of either miracle or just happenstance. As Anthony puts it "if there's no cause, I'd say that it was a freak fucking accident."

Visit www.59e59.org to get a schedule of performance. To find out more about the presenter, the Origin Theatre Company, please visit www.origintheatre.org.

The intersection of Beethoven and Quasimodo is Chekhov

Is it only the idealists among us who search for the unattainable? Can the melancholic also pursue it?
The premise in "The Hunchback Variations, A Chamber Opera," at 59E59 Theaters through July 1st, is a doomed collaboration between Ludwig von Beethoven (George Andrew Wolff) and Quasimodo (Larry Adams) to find a sound that will fulfill a stage direction in Anton Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard."
Quasimodo and Beethoven, both deaf and more than a touch ornery, are holding a series of panel discussions on the inevitable failure of their project. The attempt to create "the Impossible, Mysterious Sound" and "the Effects on Love and Friendship of Rehearsing the Creation of the Impossible and Mysterious Sound" are the subject for "The Hunchback Variations, A Chamber Opera." The sound is "impossible" because it is one of nostalgia for something lost or missing or not existent. Beethoven and Quasimodo are trying to find something that eludes the senses.

Mickle Maher, an original member of Chicago's Theater Oobleck which brought the musical play east, adapted the chamber opera from his eccentric little play "The Hunchback Variations." His libretto is set to Mark Messing's score for cello (played by Paul Ghica) and piano (Christopher Sargent.)
Adams and Wolff both have a wry demeanor and pleasant voices. They tell the tale well, revealing the details of the relationship between Quasimodo and Beethoven over the course of eleven "variations."
Quasimodo asks, "Where do we put the happiness that has not been forged?... Where is the room for keeping all the nothings?" Beethoven responds "I would like to think that such a room exists."

For a schedule of performances, visit www.59e59.org To learn more about the producing company, Theater Oobleck, visit http://theateroobleck.com

Justice Is Illusive in "Murder In The First"

Chad Kimball as Willie Moore, Ryan Scoble as a guard, Guy Burnet as Willie’s attorney, Henry Davidson, Thomas Ryan as Judge Clawson, Jim Lorenzo as Alcatraz’s Assistant Warden Milton Glenn, and Darren Kelly as DA Bill McNeil in “Murder in the First” at 59E59 Theaters. Photo © Carol Rosegg.

Since justice is illusive, the courtroom always makes a compelling setting for drama.

“Murder in the First,” at 59E59 Theaters through July 1st, is a rivetting courtroom drama. Inspired by a headline-making actual trial from the early 1940s, in 1995 Dan Gordon turned these real events into a film, and now has moved the proceedings to the stage.

Willie’s attorney, Henry Davidson (Guy Burnet) visits Willie Moore (Chad Kimball) in his cell in “Murder in the First” at 59E59 Theaters. Photo © Carol Rosegg.

Gordon's play tells the story of Willie Moore (Chad Kimball), who upon being released from the dungeons at Alcatraz, murdered a fellow inmate. The large, impassioned cast delivers the gripping tale of Henry Davidson's (Guy Burnet) surprising defense in a Federal court in San Francisco.

His day in court: Willie’s attorney, Henry Davidson (Guy Burnet) pleads in front of Judge Clawson (Thomas Ryan) with Willie Moore (Chad Kimball) in the witness chair in “Murder in the First” at 59E59 Theaters. Photo © Carol Rosegg.

Standing out in this excellent panoply of players are Joseph Adams as a wannabe Winchell named Houlihan, and Larisa Polonsky as Mary McCasslin an ambitious lawyer in love with both Henry and her job at a time when women were not generally hired by the public defender's office. John Stanisci is Henry's older brother Byron, a successful corporate lawyer who tries to protect Henry from himself. Also giving a superb performance is Robert Hogan as the bewildered warden of Alcatraz Harold Humsen, a man who made rehabilitation the business of prisons but was outdone by the demands of running "the rock." Lastly, Darren Kelly as the DA Bill McNeil certain of winning his case exudes supercilious confidence in a fine portrayal.

Guy Burnet (background), Anthoula Katsimatides and Chad Kimball in “Murder in the First” at 59E59 Theaters. Photo © Carol Rosegg.

Chad Kimball and Guy Burnet carefully measure the mettle of their characters in stirring performances. Hank and Willie develop an unlikely friendship in this moving drama.

“Murder in the First,” beautifully paced by Michael Parva's directorial hand, is well-written and tense. The sets designed by Mark Nayden split the stage, moving the action fluidly with the aid of David Castaneda's lighting from the cage in which Willie is held to the court over which Judge Clawson (Thomas Ryan) presides to Henry's offices or home.

Excellent writing, good acting, fine staging all add up to a stellar “Murder in the First.”

For a schedule or tickets, please visit www.59e59.org.

Photos © Carol Rosegg l-to-r: Chad Kimball with Larisa Polonsky; Larisa Polonsky with Guy Burnet; and Guy Burnet with John Stanisci in “Murder in the First” at 59E59 Theaters. Photo.

How Is A Tree Like a Strong Woman?

Dulcy Rogers plays Claire and her aunts in “I Am A Tree” at Theatre at St Clement’s. Photo © Carol Rosegg.

Do our life choices or our genetics make us strong? Can a descent into madness be inevitable?

In "I Am A Tree" at the Theatre at St. Clement's through June 30th, Claire (Dulcy Rogers) is in search of the truth about her mother's slide into insanity. Claire is seeking to find her better and fearless self, as she explores her family's past.

Dulcy Rogers as Claire's aunt Lillian in “I Am A Tree” at Theatre at St Clement’s. Photo © Carol Rosegg.

What's In A Name?: "Here I Go" and "Lonely, I'm Not"

A title can inspire, amuse, mystify, engage.

"Lonely, I'm Not," at 2econd Stage Theatre through June 3rd, truly deserves a more imaginative moniker. Playwright Paul Weitz does his fine romantic comedy a great disservice by not finding a worthier title to represent it. In fact "Lonely, I'm Not," is arguably the best of the four Weitz plays 2econd Stage has produced.

On the other hand, the title of the performance piece at 59E59 Theaters, also playing through June 3rd, "Here I Go,", conjures up a favorite Dolly Parton tune. "Here I Go" lives up to the promise, if not the spirit, that the tune inspires.

Heather (Olivia Thirlby) on a date with Porter (Topher Grace) in Paul Weitz’s “Lonely, I’m Not.” Photo © Joan Marcus.

The hooks in Dolly Parton's songs are so catchy and bouncy that it's hard to imagine them as a soundtrack for heartbreak, but in "Here I Go," Lynette, widowed at 60 (Natalie Leonard), not only has lost her husband but also had lost touch with her family.

Gates Loren Leonard, Michael Howell, Natalie Leonard in “Here I Go.” Photo © Corey Torpie.

"Here I Go" is a very engaging silent show, with a musical soundtrack, some of it live (Lynette at 16, Mariah Iliardi-Lowy, sings as does Michael Howell, billed as The Man) and a voice over narration (voiced by Julie Nelson.) Written by David Todd, "Here I Go" is a stylized performance conceived by Luke Leonard, who also directs, and set to Western sounds (designed by Michael Howell.)

In "Here I Go," Lynette revisits the highlights and low points of her life as a cowgirl, bringing to life her younger selves (along with her at 16 years old; at 8, Gates Loren Leonard; at 26, Jessica Pohlman).

Jessica Pohlman and Michael Howell in “Here I Go.” Photo © Corey Torpie.

"All I ever wanted was a few moments to myself, just to think...." Lynette says. "And then I'd put on my music and it would sound so sweet, because I had you and I had them.... But when you take it all away... the music just doesn't do it anymore."

In "Lonely, I'm Not," Porter (Topher Grace), still reeling from his divorce three years ago, has also fallen on hard times. Once he was a high-powered, hard-driving success. His father, Rick (Mark Blum), a con artist, still thinks of him as a soft touch, although he is running low on funds.

Little Dog (Christopher Jackson) with Porter (Topher Grace) in Paul Weitz’s “Lonely, I’m Not.” Photo © Joan Marcus.