Review: NUREYEVS EYES at GSP Excellent and Engaging

"Dancing disappears but painting lasts forever."

-Nureyev's Eyes

Nureyev's Eyes, a fascinating new play written by David Rush, will be on the George Street Playhouse (GSP) stage through February 21st. Superbly directed by Michael Mastro, this two-hander stars Will Connell and Bill Dawes in a show that is pure theatrical excellence, expertly staged and performed.

Nureyev's Eyes is a fictional account of the fifteen-year interaction that actually occurred between two great artists with very different personalities, American painter, Jamie Wyeth and Russian ballet star, Rudolf Nureyev. As Wyeth struggles to capture the ballet icon on paper and canvas, he must deal with Nureyev's vanity and temper. The bond between artist and subject grows deeper over time as they meet and share their respective personal revelations and professional ambitions. Nureyev has set his sights on the prized position of Ballet Master of New York City Ballet, while Wyeth strives to develop artistic success in the shadow of his famous father, Andrew Wyeth. You don't have to be a dance or art enthusiast to appreciate the poignant, thoughtful elements in Nureyev's Eyes. The show explores a unique friendship with humor and heart. It is an engaging show from the first minute to the last.

Bill Dawes as Rudolf Nureyev and William Connell as Jamie Wyeth master their portrayals of the characters. Dawes captures the intensity and dynamics of Nureyev's personality as well as the dancer's distinctive physicality. Connell is ideal as the famed artist, thoughtful and passionate about his work. Together bring to the stage a true sense of the lives of the Nureyev and Wyeth.

The creative team has done a fantastic job of bringing Nureyev's Eyes to life with scenic design by Alexis Distler, costume design by Esther Arroyo, lighting design by Christopher Bailey, sound design and original music composition by Scott Killian, choreography by Charlie Williams and dialect coaching by Stephen Gabis. The Production Stage Manager is Thomas Clewell, the Production Manager is Christopher J. Bailey, and Casting is by McCorkle Casting.

Nureyev's Eyes is an inventive piece of theater, wonderfully executed. You will reflect on it long after the curtain call. It will be performed at the George Street Playhouse through February 21st. The theatre is located at 9 Livingston Avenue in the heart of New Brunswick's vibrant arts district. The run time is approximately 90 minutes with no intermission. For more information and to purchase tickets call the Box Office at 732.246.7717 or visit their website at http://www.georgestreetplayhouse.org.

About George Street Playhouse

In the 42 years since its founding, George Street Playhouse has become a nationally recognized theatre, presenting an acclaimed mainstage season while providing an artistic home for established and emerging theatre artists. It's leadership consists of Artistic Director David Saint, Resident Artistic Director Michael Mastro and Managing Director Kelly Ryman. Founded in 1974, the Playhouse has been well represented by numerous productions both on and off-Broadway.

Photo Credit: T. Charles Erickson

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