Opined November 13, 2003
Usher Nonsense # 14
THE LONG CHRISTMAS RIDE HOME by Paula Vogel, Mark Brokaw
director (Baltimore Waltz, Reckless)
With Mark Blum, (Twelve Angry Men) Enid Graham, Will McCormack,
Catherine Kellner, and Randy Graff
music and sound by David Van Tieghem' and performed by Luke Notarys;
costumes by Jess Goldstein; set by Neil Patel (Beard, Between Us); lighting by
Mark McCullough
Through December 7th.
This is the first show I've seen at the Vineyard and I like this theatre a lot. They
have carved something really wonderful out of subterranean New York.
This is a sort of declarative theatre mixed with Japanese effects. Why Japanese, I
don't know, but the visual and auditory gift they have created is quite remarkable.
And this is the first play I have seen by Paula Vogel. It is strong and plainly stated -
a Christmas ride of the long past mixes itself into the not so happy Christmas times
of three children. Lives unravel over years and within moments. The actors are all
very good, know where they are going and take us there, occasionally more guides
than narrators. I thought the monologues of the three children as adults ranged
from very very strong to luke warm. Catherine Kellner's monologue in particular
was very moving and she has an intriguing edge to her work. I was sitting in the
second row, however, and the actors never looked down at me. It's a habit actors
have - look at the center of the house. Expanding their vision would expand their
performance.
I didn't understand, nor see the need for the puppets as children who are
manipulated by the actors who play the same characters as adults. There were
puppeteers on hand who might have done a better job, and the actors seemed
relieved to let go of their puppets and play adults.
Still, it was all of a stylized piece, and every part of it was crisp and purposeful. It
is a production that has stayed with me over the space of a few weeks.
©2003 Tulis McCall
Usher Nonsense # 14
THE LONG CHRISTMAS RIDE HOME by Paula Vogel, Mark Brokaw
director (Baltimore Waltz, Reckless)
With Mark Blum, (Twelve Angry Men) Enid Graham, Will McCormack,
Catherine Kellner, and Randy Graff
music and sound by David Van Tieghem' and performed by Luke Notarys;
costumes by Jess Goldstein; set by Neil Patel (Beard, Between Us); lighting by
Mark McCullough
Through December 7th.
This is the first show I've seen at the Vineyard and I like this theatre a lot. They
have carved something really wonderful out of subterranean New York.
This is a sort of declarative theatre mixed with Japanese effects. Why Japanese, I
don't know, but the visual and auditory gift they have created is quite remarkable.
And this is the first play I have seen by Paula Vogel. It is strong and plainly stated -
a Christmas ride of the long past mixes itself into the not so happy Christmas times
of three children. Lives unravel over years and within moments. The actors are all
very good, know where they are going and take us there, occasionally more guides
than narrators. I thought the monologues of the three children as adults ranged
from very very strong to luke warm. Catherine Kellner's monologue in particular
was very moving and she has an intriguing edge to her work. I was sitting in the
second row, however, and the actors never looked down at me. It's a habit actors
have - look at the center of the house. Expanding their vision would expand their
performance.
I didn't understand, nor see the need for the puppets as children who are
manipulated by the actors who play the same characters as adults. There were
puppeteers on hand who might have done a better job, and the actors seemed
relieved to let go of their puppets and play adults.
Still, it was all of a stylized piece, and every part of it was crisp and purposeful. It
is a production that has stayed with me over the space of a few weeks.
©2003 Tulis McCall
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