Interludes

VIEWPOINTS – 59E59 plays host to theater companies from out of town: FERN HILL & ONLY YESTERDAY

• By drediman
• September 29, 2019
• No Comments

It’s always an adventure frequenting theaters like 59E59 Theaters (one of the few theaters within close proximity of the upper east side), whose programming is comprised of an eclectic mix of shows from theater artists typically not seen regularly in New York, as well as local small to mid-sized theater companies. Each year, I look forward to such signature series such as spring’s Brits Off Broadway and summertime’s Summer Shorts. For the balance of the season, I commend artistic director Val Day for aggressively yet efficiently curating the theater’s season by presenting works by non-profit theater companies who might find it more economically challenging to mount productions in midtown. Indeed, this past week, I had chance to catch two of these companies, both refreshingly unknown to me.

Tommy Crawford and Christopher Sears in Bob Stevens’ “Only Yesterday” at 59E59 Theaters. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

In the more intimate Theater B, I caught Northern Stage’s production of Only Yesterday (RECOMMENDED) by Bob Stevens. The new play depicts the intimate night (not in that way!) that two of the more iconic Beatles members – John Lennon and Paul McCartney – were forced to spend with each other in Key West, Florida.  The premise quickly had me thinking of The Mountaintop, Katori Hall’s play about Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.’s final night before his assassination, which was spent in a hotel room. There’s something enticing about peering behind closed doors and getting to know these mega-figures of history and pop culture on an achingly human level. Mr. Stevens’ episodic play, with teasing snippets of songs from the Beatles songbook, is sweet, straightforward, and ultimately on the slight side. Thankfully, as Mssrs. McCartney and Lennon, Tommy Crawford and Christopher Sears are sensational, bringing their own brand of star quality – sexy, magnetic, distinctively-voiced – to the roles. The production, which closes today, has been a sold out at 59E59 Theaters.

The company of “Fern Hill” by Michael Tucker at 59E59 Theaters. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

Then we have New Jersey Repertory Company’s production of Fern Hill (SOMEWHAT RECOMMENDED) by Michael Tucker in the theater complex’s mainstage (Theater A). Mr. Tucker’s new play, which has been directed by Nadia Tass, tells the story of three older, artistically-inclined couples – all good friends – who convene at one of the couple’s country home. The play unfolds in a familiar if unremarkable sit-com vernacular. However, events take a more somber turn about midway through, at which time the play makes a go at exploring serious issues that befall mature, marriage-spanning relationships. I appreciate the effort to bring to the stage roles and matters catering to and about people of a certain age. The play and production (handsomely designed by Jessica Parks) are moderately successful, as exemplified by a number of awkward moments that creep into the writing and the direction (e.g., the final moments of the first act seem a bit mis-judged). The performances, however, are solid, and I must commend the great John Glover as a particular comic standout.

ONLY YESTERDAY
Off-Broadway, Play
59E59 Theaters
1 hour, 10 minutes (without an intermission)
Through September 29

FERN HILL
Off-Broadway, Play
59E59 Theaters
2 hours (with an intermission)
Through October 20