Review: CITY STORIES at 59E59 Theaters Fascinates with Tales of Love

"What lasts in life is not what actually happens."

-Narcissi

See CITY STORIES: Tales of Love and Magic in London now in its last week at 59E59 Theatres through May 29th. Written and directed by James Phillips with original music written and performed by Rosabella Gregory, it is part of the Brits Off-Broadway series. The show consists of short romantic vignettes wonderfully performed and presented in an intimate café-style setting.

At each show, four of CITY STORY'S six pieces are performed. The poignant stories have just the right touch of fantasy that leaves a great deal to the imagination.

In Narcissi, Jack (Tom Gordon) declares his love for Natalie (Sarah Quintrell) the moment he meets her. A free-spirited pianist, Natalie unexpectedly learns lessons about love and commitment.

Lullaby tells the story of a London plague where the people are slowly falling asleep, hour by hour. One resident, Audrey (Daphne Alexander) stays awake and brings understanding to the phenomenon as she visits her friend, Rachel (Phoebe Sparrow) and connects again with her lover, Joe (Tom Gordon).

In Great Secret, Vivian (Louisa Clein) is a songstress who is confronted in Starbucks by The Woman (Phoebe Sparrow) who insists that she purchase her book. After reading The Woman's writings, Vivian is so influenced by its content that she abandons her husband, Matt (Tom Gordon) and her lifestyle to discover the deeper meaning of love through the city's common humanity.

In Pearl, David (Matthew Flynn) meets Pearl (Phoebe Sparrow) in London's National Portrait Gallery and she reminds him of a love in his youth, Madeline. After David commissions her to paint his personal portrait and lets her live in one of his homes, Pearl tries to exploit his generosity and affection.

The music in CITY STORIES is the ideal compliment and the prose is enthralling. Experience these fascinating journeys into longing, love and life.

CITY STORIES: Tales of Love and Magic in London is presented by The City Stories Company is association with Goodge and Mortimer Productions, Room One and the Oxford Playhouse. It is on the 59E59 Theatres for a limited engagement through Sunday, May 29. The theatre is located at 59 East 59th Street (between Park and Madison Avenues). The show runs 2 hours with one intermission. The performance schedule is Tuesday - Thursday at 7:15 PM; Friday at 8:15 PM; Saturday at 2:15 PM & 8:15 PM; and Sunday at 3:15 PM. Tickets are $35 ($24.50 for 59E59 Members). To purchase tickets, call Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200 or visit www.59e59.org.

Photo Credit: James Phillips