Review: Mustard Seed Theatre's Production of THE CHOSEN

The second half of the mini-Potok festival continues with an engaging and thoughtful dramatization of his classic novel The Chosen, which I can recall reading (for English class) and enjoying myself many years ago. This adaptation, like the recent production of My Name is Asher Lev, is also written by playwright Aaron Posner, and it fully captures the flavor of the book, staging key scenes compactly, and with considerable economy, even though it relies on the use of a narrator, which the other adaptation eschewed in favor of having its protagonist portray the lead character at various stages. Mustard Seed Theatre's production is nicely conceived and executed, with a solid cast doing fine work under the guidance of director (of both productions) Deanna Jent.

The Chosen is a story about friendship and tradition, and how the two can sometimes clash. For example, there's the baseball game where Danny Saunders and Reuven Malter first encounter one another, that turns into a "holy war" between the Hasidic team and a team of so-called "bad Jews" (because they're not strict traditionalists). Danny literally knocks Reuven out of the game when a line drive up the middle strikes him in the face and damages his eye. Danny visits Reuven in the hospital and an unlikely friendship develops. But, Danny's father is the spiritual leader of the Hasidic community, and it's up to Reuven to prove himself worthy of this privilege. Once he does, he finds himself acting as a buffer between the pair, who rarely speak directly to one another. Contrast this with Reuven's more open and warm relationship with his father. However, Reuven's father has a heart attack, and that brings forth an invitation from Reb Saunders to move in to their home while his father recovers. Tensions mount as father and son argue over the prospect of a Jewish homeland, and Reuven and Danny's friendship becomes a casualty in the conflict.

Justin Ivan Brown narrates as the elder Reuven Malter, looking back wistfully on a time during the 1940's that shaped and defined him as a person. Brown does very good work guiding the action, but the part itself seems superfluous at times. Adam Moskel imbues the young Reuven with a worrisome attitude that fits his continual state of anxiety perfectly, and David Chandler is also strong as Danny, bringing a nice sense of depth to this troubled, but inquisitive youth. Jim Leibrecht delivers an appealing and genuine performance as Reuven's father, David. Richard Lewis is simply outstanding as Reb Saunders, sticking rigidly to his traditions while trying to understand his son's motivations.

Director Deanna Jent keeps this drama tightly focused and clear throughout, drawing wonderful performances from the cast, and keeping the pace moving nicely for the most part. Scenic designer Courtney Sanazaro aids in these efforts with a suitable, multi-level set that neatly defines the two homes, and Michael Sullivan lights it with dramatic emphasis. Michelle Friedman Siler's costumes fit the period, the traditions, and the characters, while Justin Walker's sound design adds to the overall mood.

Mustard Seed Theatre's splendidly rendered production of The Chosen continues through November 7, 2010 at the Fontbonne University Fine Arts Theatre.

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