BWW Reviews: MY NAME IS ASHER LEV Is An Authentic Success At Theater LaB Houston

Based on the very successful novel by Chaim Potok, MY NAME IS ASHER LEV follows the story of a young Jewish artist growing up in Brooklyn in the post war era. Asher is an art protege, torn between his Hasidic upbringing and his drive to thoroughly manifest his artistic gifts. When his provocative paintings threaten to destroy his relationship with his parents, Asher is confronted with some complicated questions. How can he balance who is as an artist with who he is as a son? This rich play, exquisitely adapted by Aaron Posner, evokes many themes: loyalty, upbringing, artistic freedom, and identity. One of the driving ideas of the play is that a true artist has to give himself over to his gift, no matter what pain it may cause others.

The story is played out by just 3 actors. Adam Gibbs plays Asher, with Kara Greenberg and Bradley Winkler playing Asher's parents, as well as a handful of other characters. As the storyteller of the play, Gibbs is wonderful as a tender young man who wants to please his parents but can't turn his back on his art. While playing Asher at younger ages Gibbs is charmingly awkward and innocent, seemingly possessed to draw what he sees and feels. From start to finish Gibbs never wavers, and his vulnerable, honest portrayal is a special thing to witness.

Rivkeh Lev, Asher's mother, is a sensitive woman who has suffered the death of her beloved brother, and stands as a witness of the contention between Asher and his headstrong father. Greenberg is convincing and sympathetic as Asher's docile, wounded mother, and handles the emotional demands of the part very well. The actress is also adept as a secular art gallery owner and an artist's model, easily slipping in and out of characters as is called for in the storyline.

Bradley Winkler gives a committed and deep performance as Asher's father, Aryeh Lev. Winkler's rendering is multilayered and the inner workings of the character are displayed with nuance and sensitivity. Asher's art mentor, Jacob Kahn, has many of the most thought-provoking lines in the play and Winkler is inspiring in the role. Kahn urges Asher to go forward as an artist, telling him, "Be a great artist. It is the only justification for all the pain you are about to cause."

Direction by Ed Muth is astute and admirable. There are so many times throughout the performance when great moments are made in part because of the inspired staging by Muth.

This is an important play, a rendering that inspires interesting conversations. Yes, it's about a religious man who must grapple with how to express his God-given gifts, but there in so much under the surface of the story that applies to everyone. The subject of personal identity is at the core, and the exploration of who we are and the choices we make are explored in a play that is authentic and perceptive.

This production by Theater LaB Houston is highly recommended and deserves far more than the 11 performances that are scheduled. Get your tickets soon!

For tickets: http://www.thelabhou.org/my-name-is-asher-lev.html

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Theater LaB Houston

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