Review: 'See What I Wanna See' at the Signature

When you sit so close to the action at the Signature's 100 seat space called the ARK, it is a wonderful experience.  I felt that way during The Happy Time. One could never confuse that wonderful tale with the current production, but the effect is the same.

Let me admit right away that I'm a huge fan of the esteemed composer Michael John LaChiusa. He is a gifted composer and See What I  Wanna See is a fine example of his work  Remember, he's a five-time Tony nominee. And the World Premiere of his musical Giant is playing in the MAX Theatre. Where else can one see two LaChiusa works under one roof at the same time?

In the small space of the ARK, you are treated to a wonderful six piece orchestra under the direction of Zak Sandler (also on piano), Ben Bokor on flutes and saxes, Gary Tillman on drums and David Murray on percussion. I left one out. Special mention must be made to Dan Sullivan whose bassoon was just wonderful (played sax as well).

This is one enjoyable show. When it played Off-Broadway in 2005, "New York Magazine" named it one of the Best Musicals of the Year.

Based on short works by Japanese writer Ryunosuke Akutagawa, You'll start in Medieval Japan, then move to 1951 New York where each theatergoer is treated to different versions of a murder in Central Park. Who did it and why? We are the jury.

I found it quite ironic that the third story is called "Gloryday" (Remember the Signature musical Glory Days  that played on day on Broadway?) This takes place in present day New York where a priest has a crisis of faith after the World Trade Center  tragedy.

Director Matthew Gardiner has done a masterful job working in the confines of the ARK with a terrific cast made up of Channez McQuay, Matt Pearson, Bobby Smith, Rachel Zampelli, and Tom Zemon. Each is giving an opportunity to shine in various roles. For example in Act I, Bobby Smith plays a janitor who is interrogated by the police for the murder in Central Park and in Act II takes Center Stage as a Priest. You couldn't ask for two more different roles.

There is a CD of the musical and I suggest you hear it beforehand. I wish I had. You will hear Mary Testa, Marc Kudisch and Idina Menzel from the 2005 cast.

See What I Wanna See continues until May 31. For tickets, call 703-573-7328.

For comments, write to cgshubow@broadwayworld.com.

                                 

To post a comment, you must register and login.