BWW Reviews: Day 1 – LA BETE / THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS

So, dear readers, I know you're used to me writing about all things Seattle Theater related but I'm currently out on my pilgrimage to Mecca (as it were) visiting New York to see some of the new shows (both on and off Broadway) they have to offer.  But I could not go without taking all of you with me and since plane fare is so crazy these days I decided to just report back to you on all the shows I'm seeing.

I arrived on a Wednesday in order to take advantage of the matinee performance available on Wednesdays in New York.  After having arrived on the red eye and getting settled with my Aunt who is putting me up (Thanks again, Auntie), I made my way to my first show of this journey.

LA BETE

Written by David Hirson, "La Bete" follows the exploits of Elomire (played by David Hyde Pierce), and his 17^th century court sponsored theatrical troupe who have just been beset upon by order of their sponsor, the Princess (Joanna Lumley), by the crass and crude Valere (Mark Rylance).  Elomire is quite upset by the appearance of this new comer, as he feels Valere is not an "artist" but a buffoon.  Unfortunately Valere is also in the favor of the Princess and she insists he be given a spot in the company.  And so Elomire has an idea to expose Valere to the Princess as an untalented fool by making him perform not alone (as he is used to) but with the troupe and one of his own pieces. 

The play, presented in iambic pentameter, is fast paced and fun.  And the opening monologue from Valere is one of legend (as it goes on for about 30 minutes).  And as wonderful as that monologue is, I feel it's one of the downfalls of the play.  You're so invested and mesmerized by this amazing theatrical feat that by the end you're drained and yet, you still have the rest of the play to go.  The show peaks at that moment and there's nowhere to go but down for the remaining hour and 20 minutes.  Plus, the play focuses so much on the character of Valere that the rest of the actors, even leads like Eolmire and the Princess, have so little to do.

That's not to say the performances they do give are bad by any stretch of the imagination.  Hyde Pierce is great as the beset upon Elomire and Lumley is gorgeous as the Princess in control but with so little to do it seems almost a waste of two comic masters.  We also have a turn by Stephen Ouimette as troupe member Bejart and while it's wonderful to see this grand comic actor from  the Canadian series "Slings and Arrows" live, he also had very little to do.  The bulk of the play goes to Rylance.  Now don't get me wrong, Rylance is amazing.  He sells the fool Valere with an over the top subtlety (if that makes any sense).  He's all over the place and laser focused all at the same time and the monologue I mentioned is a stroke of genius and definitely one not to miss.  Whether it's worth the whole show, that's another question you have to answer for yourself.

"La Bete" is currently playing a limited run at the Music Box Theatre on West 45^th St.

Photo Credit: Manuel Harlan

THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS

One of the final musicals from the team of John Kander and Fred Ebb since the passing of Ebb, "The Scottsboro Boys" tells the true story of the eponymous "Boys", nine black men who were falsely accused of raping two white women in the 1930's and were sentenced to be executed.  Yes, just a happy little topic for a musical but handled as only Kander and Ebb could.  And to add an even more un-politically correct spin on it, it's presented as a minstrel show.

Kander and Ebb have long been known for taking dark and non-musically inclined stories and turning them into Broadway gold like "Cabaret" and "Kiss of the Spider Woman" and "The Scottsboro Boys" is no exception.  The show is fun, raucous, and goofy while at the same time is insightful, moving and heartfelt.  It moves seamlessly back and forth from the outrageous minstrel style to the disturbing reality of a tragedy of American History. 

The cast is sublime.  The nine accused, most of whom portray others from the history as well, the white Interlocutor (or emcee) of the Minstrel, his two assistants Mr. Bones and Mr. Tambo and the final character referred to only as "The Lady" form this outstanding ensemble.  And I should note a few.  John Cullum is spectacular as the Interlocutor.  Christian Dante White and James T. Lane shine as two of the Boys as well as the accusers, Victoria and Ruby.  Colman Domingo and Forrest McClendon are superb as Misters Bones and Tambo and move effortlessly in an out of their many characters.  Joshua Henry is exceptional as the somewhat focal point of the Boys, Haywood.  And the youngest of the Boys, Jeremy Gumbs is amazing as the pre-teen accused, Eugene. 

But really the entire cast is glorious and is gloriously directed and choreographed by the incredible Susan Stroman.  It's a beautifully heart wrenching achievement and deserves to run for a long time on Broadway and abroad.  I can only hope the cast and crew enjoy working on it as much as I enjoyed watching it and that others come out to see what is truly a dazzling show.

Tickets for "The Scottsboro Boys" are available by calling Telecharge.com at 212-239-6200, online at www.telecharge.com and at the Lyceum Theatre box office (149 West 45th Street). Performances are Tuesday through Sunday at 8:00 PM, with matinees Saturday and Sunday at 3:00 PM.

Photo Credit: Paul Kolnik

Now that Day 1 is down, stay tuned for the rest of the trip (5 days in total) as I continue through what the great white way has to offer.

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