David Friscic

The actors must embody the often alternately nihilistic, deadpan, and snarky undertows of humor in the play as well as the highs and lows of drug -fueled adrenaline and the crashing lows of harsh reality cutting into their perceived joyful moments—and , in this production, they certainly did.

The inspiring finale of this production entitled “Finale Ultimo: Climb Ev’ry Mountain” --- performed by the entire company --- swells with idealistic love and lush orchestrations and is a clarion call to the ideals of perseverance and devotion ---- tears are earned with this moving and uplifting scene. This is decidedly one of the most magnificent theatrical finales in the history of musical theatre.

A stellar supporting cast is assembled here in the first act (this psychological look at the Diamond persona reminded me a bit of the musical MJ) including an affecting quiet performance by Lisa Reneé Pitts as the therapist. A highly captivating performance by Hannah Jewel Kohn steals the show as Ms. Kohn “knocked it out of the park” with magnetic stage presence and a sensational soaring voice. As wife Marcia Murphey, Ms. Kohn delivered a poignant rendition of “Play Me” and a scintillating powerhouse delivery of “Forever in Blue Jeans.”

Pulitzer-prize winning playwright Lynn Nottage’s book and a lead performance that thrills are the locks that hold this ingeniously conceived project together. From the razor-sharp opening song “Beat It” to a finale that has the ensemble of the show approaching the apron of the stage to implicate the audience with the challenge from Jackson’s transformative song “Man in the Mirror”: “…If you wanna make the world a better place, Take a look at yourself and make that Change”, this is a musical that is truly transformative.

With the aid of the thrilling and glorious music by Jule Styne and character-driven lyrics by Bob Merrill, this story of striving for stardom (which reminds me a bit of A Star is Born---another Streisand vehicle –amongst several other versions) delivers the goods. This production directed by Michael Mayer is presented with a revised book by Harvey Fierstein (from the original book by Isobel Lennart) that emphasizes certain aspects that were not emphasized in the original version. As a result, the drama of the second act plays much more effectively than in the original. The soap opera feeling is gone as Brice’s fame overtakes the gambling tragedies of her husband Nick Arnstein (Stephen Mark Lukas) and it plays like heartfelt and consequential personal drama.

All the actors in this cast of twelve are excellent. Renowned actor Norm Lewis (as Captain Richard Davenport) portrays his role with an air of steely and calm authority. Lewis' commanding and discerning interpretation shows him as always thinking one step ahead of the other characters --as this character would rightfully do.