The Spring theater openings in New York are numerous and varied this year. While April will yield the most numerous new offerings in years, I caught of handful of shows that opened in March, finding three very strong shows amongst the six I saw.
Especially powerful was the Jamie Lloyd directed National Theatre production of Lucy Prebble's "The Effect" at The Shed in Hudson Yards. I was hesitant to see this show because the production of this play I saw off-Broadway nearly 10 years ago, directed by the normally reliable David Cromer, was so long and unfocused that I nearly fell asleep watching it. However, I am a huge fan of Jamie Lloyd's work and had read that the script was shortened and revised, and so I gave this play another chance. Watching the visceral and explosive production at The Shed, it felt like an entirely different play. The lighting, sound and boxing match-like staging kept me on the edge of my seat from the beginning to end, and the acting, especially by Paapa Essiedu and Taylor Russell is stunning to behold. Sadly, the limited run ends at the end of March, but the prpoduction was filmed for NT Live and hopefully will be made available for home viewing in the US by NT at Home.
Originality and creativity abounds in the dance/theater hybrid staging of the Sufjan Stevens' album "Illinoise" at the Park Avenue Armory. The choreography artfully blend a number of different dance styles, but the work feels cohesive and the narrative (credited to director-choreographer Justin Peck and playwright Jackie Sibblies Drury) is clear and emotionally engaging. The show is moving in late April to the St. James Theater, just in time to qualify for the 2024 Tony Awards consideration. I would guess that a Best Musical nomination is in the cards for this production.
I further venture to guess that a Best Musical nomination will also be earned by the new musical "The Outsiders," which I caught in a preview performance. I was not expecting much from this show going in, as the book on which the musical is based is aimed at a demographic many years younger than mine. But a combination of great direction and staging (by Danya Taymor), a solid book (by Adam Rapp), a talented young cast, a fine score (by Jamestown Revival and Justin Levine), and exciting choreography (by Rick & Jeff Kuperman) kept me both engaged and moved throughout. I am not sure how the NY critics will react to this show, but whatever that is, I hope this show finds audiences as appreciative as the one with whom I attended this show.
On the less positive side, the hugely popular Cole Escola comedy "Oh Mary," proved to be way too campy for my tastes, resulting in what felt an SNL skit that greatly overstays its welcome. Your milage may vary on this one. As for the revival of "Tommy" on Broadway, I was left feeling cold, unengaged and searching (but not finding) for a good reason in for reviving this show. Finally, I have literally nothing favorable I could say about the poorly conceived, lacklusterly staged and at times insulting new musical adaptation of "The Notebook."
I expect to have another batch of new shows on which to report in May.
