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By BERTOLT BRECHT
“Terrible is the temptation to do good!” warns Bertolt Brecht’s amiable narrator. But good is all that Grusha, the simple kitchen maid, knows. And so, in the midst of a revolution, she cannot help but come to the aid of a poor defenseless infant. Their subsequent misadventures across her war-torn country become the heart of Brecht’s playful parable, which calls into question our basic assumptions of right in a world that has gone wrong. This production boasts a new score and new songs by acclaimed singer/songwriter Duncan Sheik and is helmed by CSC Artistic Director Brian Kulick, who directed last season’s sold-out production of Brecht’s GALILEO.
“BRIMS WITH HUMOR AND A VIVID JOLT OF IRONY…Brian Kulick’s intelligent production features spare, haunting original music by Duncan Sheik, and memorable lunacy by Christopher Lloyd who brings a funny Groucho Marxian (Marxist?) exuberance. The comedy comes through robustly. Elizabeth A. Davis sings with a soulful intensity in a steel-edged voice that feels right for Brecht and Mr. Sheik.”
“Mr. Kulick’s staging is full of DELICATE TOUCHES OF THEATRICAL POETRY. Elizabeth A. Davis is passionately, winningly earnest. Christopher Lloyd plays Azdak with sardonic éclat. This production is fully as exciting as Mr. Kulick’s 2012 revival of Brecht’s GALILEO.”
“This Brecht brings a lump in the throat, thanks to Elizabeth A. Davis’ key performance in this accessible revival. The production boasts a genial, fresh score by Duncan Sheik.”
“A COLORFULLY STAGED, WELL-SUNG, WELL-ACTED ENTERTAINING PRODUCTION featuring the comedic presence of Mary Testa and the robustly clownish enthusiasm of Tom Riis Farrell.”
“Lloyd is an INCREDIBLE DELIGHT. Mary Testa, Tom Riis Farrell, Deb Radloff, Alex Hurt, and Jason Babinsky handle Brecht’s wry political comedy while doing justice to the folksy original music of Duncan Sheik. The sweetheart of the company is Elizabeth A. Davis, who wraps loving arms around the role of Grusha.”
“Mixes humor and pathos, political allegory and vaudevillian bits. Lloyd dominates the show as the wily ruffian judge Azdak.”
“Director Brian Kulick seems to be having his INVENTIVE, merry way with Brecht. But what the hey! Why not, when the player’s are led by Christopher Lloyd, the never-less-then-terrific-Mary Testa as well as the right smart Elizabeth A. Davis and this adroit cast? Why not when Brecht’s lyrics are joined to Duncan Sheik’s original plangent melodies?”
“HAUNTING NEW MUSIC by Duncan Sheik deftly mixes Eastern European folk harmonies with propulsive ticktock rhythms.”
Scenic Design TONY STRAIGES
The Making of a Classic: A conversation with composer DUNCAN SHEIK
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Extended thru June 23, 2013
Schedule
Running Time:
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Photo: Joan Marcus
Classic Stage Company | 136 East 13th Street, New York, NY 10003
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