Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Public Works and Disney team up for the rousing, uplifting stage adaptation of HERCULES at the Delacorte

• By drediman
• September 7, 2019
• No Comments

Jelani Alladin in Public Works’ production of “Hercules” at the Delacorte Theatre. Photo by Joan Marcus.

I recently had the good fortune of attending one of the very limited number of performances of Public Works’ free (via lottery) production of Hercules, which has emerged as the hottest ticket currently in town (take that, Hamilton). Yes, it’s the stage adaptation of the middle-of-the-road 1997 Disney animated feature film with songs by composer Alan Menken and lyricist David Zippel. The zippy production follows the movie closely, telling the coming-of-age story of the demi-god Hercules. As in previous years, I can’t think of a better way to usher out the summer than partaking in director Lear deBessonet’s annual undertaking, perhaps the most joyous theatrical event on the busy New York theater calendar.

The collaboration between Public Works, which operates under the umbrella of the Public Theater, and Disney Theatrical Productions is an inspired one. On paper, the core tenet of Hercules – that becoming a hero isn’t a solo pursuit – works beautifully when aligned with Public Works’ mandate of producing inclusionary community theater on the largest scale (including scores of amateur performers from across New York’s five boroughs). For the slightly but smartly expanded and updated stage version, Messrs. Menken and Zippel have re-teamed to produce five additional perfectly pleasant songs.

As with all Public Works productions (I’ve attended each one since its inception in 2013), Hercules – the program’s biggest, most spectacular effort to date – is a wonder in traffic control, especially given the limited rehearsal time. With a whopping cast of approximately 200, it’s a wonder that the show goes off without any obvious hitches. But not everything is there yet. Particularly, the daffy book by Kristoffer Diaz doesn’t quite have the bones (yet?) to smoothly accommodate Public Works’ requisite civic pageantry. Nevertheless, the performances are spirited all-around, and Jelani Alladin is disarmingly charming in the title role. And the rousing moments when the Delacorte stage swarms with humanity of all shapes and sizes are uplifting and downright moving.

RECOMMENDED

HERCULES
Off-Broadway, Musical
The Public Theater / Public Works at the Delacorte Theatre
1 hour, 40 minutes (without an intermission)
Through September 8