Review: ROTTERDAM at 59E59 Street Theaters is Affecting and Humorous

ROTTERDAM is now onstage at 59E59 Theaters through June 10th. Written by Jon Brittain and directed by Donnacadh O'Briain, this is a show that will touch the hearts and minds of everyone, a topical play that must be seen. ROTTERDAM is the first transgender themed play to win the prestigious Olivier Award. It is part of the Brits Off-Broadway festival that will be at 59E59 Theaters through July 2nd.

Alice and Fiona, a British couple living in Rotterdam, have been in a partnership for seven years, but Alice hasn't revealed to her parents that she is gay. While Alice considers coming out to her family, Fiona tells her that he identifies as a man and wants to live as one named Adrian. There are numerous layers to this story. Josh, Adrian's easygoing brother, was once in love with Alice, yet he is friendly and supportive to both Alice and Adrian. While Alice attempts to deal with changes in her relationship with Adrian, her co-worker, Lelani makes romantic advances to her. ROTTERDAM is an insightful view of love and identity. It captures the intensity of four people's situations while conveying the humor of everyday life.

You will be in awe of the talented cast of four that brings every moment of this stirring play to life. Each of their character portrayals is spot-on. They include Alice McCarthy as Alice; Ed Eales-White as Josh; Anna Martine Freeman as Fiona/Adrian; Ellie Morris as Lelani. They master the fast paced dialogue along with the rapid scene changes.

The Creative Team has done a great job of bringing ROTTERDAM to the stage with design by Ellan Parry; lighting design by Richard Williamson; composition and sound design by Keegan Curran. The Movement Director is Juri Nael; Fight Director is Rob Leonard; Associate Director is Roxy Cook. The Company Stage Manager is Catriona Jackson and the AEA Stage Manager is Whitney M. Keeter.

There is no one that hasn't been touched by the issues confronted in ROTTERDAM. It is an affecting play, brilliantly presented. See it while it is on the New York Stage.

ROTTERDAM is presented by Hartshorn - Hook Productions. The play will be performed through Saturday, June 10th at 59E59 Theaters (59 East 59th Street, between Park and Madison Avenues). The show runs for 2 hours and 20 minutes with one intermission. The performance schedule is Tuesday - Thursday at 7:30 PM; Friday at 8:30 PM; Saturday at 2:30 PM & 8:30 PM; and Sunday at 3:30 & 7:30 PM. Tickets are $25 ($20 for 59E59 Members). To purchase tickets, call Ticket Central at 212.279.4200 or visit www.59e59.org.

Photo Credit: Hunter Canning

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