Several times a year I go to review what’s on stage on Broadway. This spring, right at the time the Tony Award nominations were being announced, I had the chance to see some excellent offerings.
Of course, seeing local talent on stages on the Big White Way adds to the excitement. During the last season about 20 graduates of the Baldwin Wallace Music Theater program, which recently was named as the second best musical theater program in the country, were appearing in the Big Apple. I saw Anthony Sagarha in American Psycho and Cassie Okenka in School Of Rock. Not to be outdone, Kent State grad Alice Ripley was in American Psycho.
Here are capsule judgments of four new shows. To read the whole review of each, go to royberkinfo.blogspot.com/, scroll down to find the individual columns.
What: School Of Rock
Where: Winter Garden, 1634 Broadway
When: Open run
Capsule judgment: School Of Rock is a fun-filled show with a nice moral. The music rocks. The cast entertains. It’s the kind of show that audiences love, will do well as it tours the country, and should have a long Broadway life!
What: American Psycho, The Musical
Where: Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, 236 West 45th Street
When: Open run
Capsule judgment: American Psycho The Musical, like the book and film, will incite waves of avid fans, as well as naysayers. It’s going to get standing ovations and intermission walk-outs. Whatever the attitude, it’s clear that Benjamin Walker’s portrayal of Bateman is top notch, the rocking score is enervating, and the multiple hard bodies on the stage are works of art in their own way. And, the question stand: is what goes on on the stage, fact or fiction, allegory or reality? Is it a statement on America or just an excuse for gore and fun?
What: The Father
Where: Manhattan Theatre Club, Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, 261 W. 47th Street
When: Through June 11, 2016
Capsule judgment: Florian Zeller’s The Father is a compelling and heartbreaking script that exposes two sides of the mental aging and deterioration process. The production is exceptionally well-conceived and performed. In spite of humorous interludes, some may find the play almost too emotionally charged. That being said, the production is a must-see for anyone, as sooner or later they may well be the caretaker of an André, or an André, themselves.
What: Tuck Everlasting, the musical
Where: Broadhurst Theatre, 235 West 44th Street
When: Open run
Capsule judgment: Tuck Everlasting is a fable of Americana that may be too gentle for New York critics and audiences, but should be a major hit with the family-oriented audiences that make up the Broadway series tours in the hinterlands. This is a well-conceived production, with hummable folk music, and a charming tale.
[Written by Roy Berko, member, American Theatre Critics Association & Cleveland Critics Circle]