VIEWPOINTS – A Couple of Off-Broadway Closings: LOVE, NOËL & RINSE, REPEAT

Upon the completion of my satisfying trip to the Stratford Festival in Ontario, I jumped right back into play-going mode in New York, where I was able to catch a pair of Off-Broadway shows before they concluded their respective limited runs.

Steve Ross and KT Sullivan in "Love, Noël" at the Irish Repertory Theatre. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

Steve Ross and KT Sullivan in “Love, Noël” at the Irish Repertory Theatre. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

First up was the Irish Repertory Theatre’s production of Love, Noël (RECOMMENDED), a lovely tribute to the one-and-only multifarious genius Noël Coward (it was nice to have just seen his classic comedy Private Lives in Stratford) via the witty, candid letters he wrote to his various (famous) relations over the course of his remarkable and eventful life, as well as a thoughtfully-curated collection of his delectable hit songs. As intimately written and staged by Barry Day and Charlotte Moore for Irish Rep’s cozy studio space, the evening exuded the air of an exclusive private soiree. The impeccably-drawn performances of two world-class and world-wise nightlife entertainers – Steve Ross and KT Sullivan – conveyed the master’s life and times through gentle song and banter. Despite Love, Nöel‘s subdued simplicity, the show was a richly and warmly rewarding experience, thanks largely to these two performers’ superb, expert work.

Domenica Feraud and Michael Hayden in "Rinse, Repeat" by Ms. Feraud at the Pershing Square Signature Center. Photo by Jenny Anderson.

Domenica Feraud and Michael Hayden in “Rinse, Repeat” by Ms. Feraud at the Pershing Square Signature Center. Photo by Jenny Anderson.

Before closing, I also had a chance to catch Domenica Feraud’s Rinse, Repeat (SOMEWHAT RECOMMENDED) at the Pershing Square Signature Center. The dramatic play tells the story of one Rachel, a recovering anorexic girl and her strained relationship with her family (particularly her incisive mother, a successful, high-powered partner at a law firm). Although the play’s clashing motivations and imperfect characterizations guaranteed some tense scenes, a sense of forced histrionics unfortunately pervaded Ms. Feraud’s new play. Nevertheless, it was powerfully acted by a quartet of actors, particularly the playwright herself and Michael Hayden (as Rachel and her father), whose sensitive performances brought nuance to an otherwise bluntly confrontational play. The production was smoothly staged by Kate Hopkins, although its oddly clunky, awkward set design was somewhat of a distraction.

 

LOVE, NOEL
Off-Broadway, Musical
Irish Repertory Theatre
1 hour, 20 minutes (without an intermission)
Closed

RINSE, REPEAT
Off-Broadway, Play
Pershing Square Signature Center
1 hour, 30 minutes (without an intermission)
Closed

Categories: Off-Broadway, Theater

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