BWW Reviews: MUSIC HALL at 59E59 Is Fascinating

Music Hall is now on stage at 59E59 on a limited engagement through April 12th. Written by renowned French Playwright, Jean-Luc Lagarce, translated by Joseph Long and directed by Zelijko Djukic, the play is a fascinating perspective of the trials and tribulations of three performers and their diminishing careers. With humor and drama, this unique theatrical piece reveals the vulnerable life of the artists and gives insight to the their circumstances as they travel from town to town performing in second-rate music halls. The play is presented by Tuta Theatre Chicago and is enjoying its United States Premiere.

Anchoring the cast is Jeffrey Binder as "The Artiste," an aging diva with a penchant for drama who reflects on her career. She bemoans the conditions of performance venues but also launches into humorous tirades including one about her essential stool seat. She often states, "When you have been through hell, you don't fear the devil." Binder captures the essence of the role and transitions seamlessly between moments of angst and comical self-absorption while engaging directly with members of the audience.

First Boy played by Michael Doonan and Second Boy played by Darren Hill are the song and dance men who perform predictably campy numbers with The Artiste. Both Doonan and Hill handle their roles expertly contributing significant background to the narrative including telling salacious rumors about their predecessors. And their rendition of "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" displays Doonan and Hill's excellent musical talents.

If you wonder what keeps these three performers on the road, without much of a chance of theatrical success, see Music Hall. Wonderfully performed, well staged, and very revealing, this play is sure to entertain.

The creative team has done a great job of bringing the audience right into a music hall scene with simple, yet thoughtful touches in the theatre's intimate setting. The team includes musical direction by Wain Parham, movement direction by Aileen McGroddy, Costume and set design by Natasha Djukic, lighting design by Keith Parham and sound design by Christian Gero.

Music Hall will be at 59E59 through April 12th. The show is 80 minutes without an intermission. The theater is located at 59 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022. To purchase tickets, call Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200 or visit www.59e59.org.

Photo Credit: Anthony La Penna

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