In LoveMusik, book by Alfred Uhry, music by Kurt Weill, an examination of the life and music of Weill, Donna Murphy as the sprite Lotte Lenya gives us an amazing characterization unlike anything she has done before. This skinny little waif is sexy and sensuous, with impeccable comic timing and a unique, very musical voice with great range in sound and emotion. She's a delightful, mesmerizing presence.
Weill's music, with the words of the greatest lyricists of his time, is the root of LoveMusik, and Michael Cerveris as Weill is subtle and deep in his acting and singing, filling the theater with the strength of his portrayal of a weak character. David Pittu sparkles as Bertolt Brecht.
The flow of the growth of the varied moods of Weill's music, from Expressionism to snappy-cute and pop songs, is quite a trip. Harold Prince directs beautifully, with the sure hand and creative imagination of a master, and set by Beowulf Boritt, lighting by Howell Binkley and costumes by Judith Dolan well set the moods, tones and atmosphere of Europe and California. Weill is worth your while (sorry about that).
Previews:
April 12, 2007
Opened:
May 3, 2007
Ended:
June 24, 2007
Country:
USA
State:
New York
City:
New York
Company/Producers:
Manhattan Theater Club Productions by arr w/ Marty Bell, Aldo Scrofani, Boyett Ostar Productions, Tracy Aron, Roger Berlind/Debra Black, Chase Mishkin, Ted Snowdon
Theater Type:
Broadway
Theater:
Biltmore Theater
Theater Address:
236 West 47th Street
Running Time:
2 hrs, 45 min
Genre:
Musical
Director:
Harold Prince
Review:
Cast:
Donna Murphy, Michael Cerveris (Weill), David Pittu (Brecht), John Scherer (Davis), Judith Blazer, Edwin Cahill, Herndon Lackey, Erik Liberman, Ann Morrison, Graham Rowat, Rachel Ulanet, Jessica Wright.
Technical:
Choreog: Patricia Birch; Costumes: Judith Dolan; Lighting: Howell Binkley; Set: Beowulf Boritt
Critic:
Richmond Shepard
Date Reviewed:
May 2007
