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“The Merchant of Venice” in NYC

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Yesterday, I had the opportunity to check out “The Merchant of Venice” in NYC as a member of the press. ARLEKIN & MART Foundation in association with Jadow Productions presented “The Merchant of Venice” in residence at Classic Stage Company (CSC), the Off-Broadway theater company known for its intimate productions and commitment to exploring and reimagining classic works. William Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice” is a play that has sparked debate for centuries due to its portrayal of Shylock, the Jewish moneylender. While often categorized as a comedy, the play delves into uncomfortable themes of anti-Semitism, revenge, and the nature of justice.

Igor Golyak, the director of this production, reimagines the play as part of a live television show, with the audience attending the play as the live studio audience. A central focus of this reimagining is the character of Shylock. Golyak’s production aims to present a more nuanced portrayal of this complex figure, moving beyond stereotypical interpretations to explore the motivations behind his actions. By humanizing Shylock, “The Merchant of Venice” encourages audiences to confront their own biases and consider the devastating consequences of prejudice.

The show features a stellar cast led by Richard Topol as Shylock, Alexandra Silber as Portia, and T.R. Knight as Antonio. The production also features the talents of Gus Birney, Tess Goldwyn, José Espinosa, Stephen Ochsner, Delilah Napier, Noah Pacht, and Elan Zafir, each bringing their unique energy and skill to this dynamic ensemble.

“The Merchant of Venice” ran from November 22 to December 22, 2024 at Classic Stage Company – Lynn F. Angelson Theater, 136 East 13th Street, New York, NY 10003.

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Hilarious Comedy “The Z Team” on Theatre Row in NYC until November 23

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I had the opportunity to attend the opening show for “The Z Team” on November 10th. “The Z Team” is a hilarious new off-broadway play, written by Jeff and Jacob Foy, a father and son playwright duo. They’ve always wanted to write a pure comedy together, and “The Z Team” is the result!

The play follows a failing advertising company’s creation of the Z Team, a team tasked with creating a commercial for a truly terrible product – the Bend and Blend (it’s a yoga mat with a blender stuck to it). The boss of the company, Jerry, assembles a team of the worst employees from each department to create the commercial. What ensues is a chaotic and hilarious journey filled with mishaps, misunderstandings, and unexpected camaraderie.

The show has a clever script, strong performances, and fun direction. I laughed out loud many times during the show, and the message of finding strength in unlikely places and the power of human connection resonated with me. I was also thrilled with the queer representation in this play. The ending was also super cute and fun (and with a sapphic surprise) — but I won’t say any more details since I’m keeping this spoiler free.

Don’t miss your chance to see this show!

“The Z Team”

  • Venue: Theatre Row (41o W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036)
  • Run Dates: limited engagement November 8 – November 23, 2024
  • Director: Jeff Whiting
  • Writer/Producer: Jeff Foy and Jacob Foy
  • Cast: Allie Trimm, Tyler Cruz, Ze’ev Barmor, Jakob Martinez-Cooper, Kaelee Albritton, Darby McDonough, Joe Mucciolo, Drew Starlin, Daniel Arana, Gabrielle Filloux
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The Opposite of Love

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As a huge fan of theatre, I was excited to be invited as a member of press to attend “The Opposite of Love,” presented by NewYorkRep. This play was staged at the Royal Family Performing Arts Space in New York City, a beautiful venue with an intimate setting in a restored landmark building.

Theatre has always been a space where complex human emotions are laid bare, inviting audiences to confront issues, reflect on meaning, and empathize with characters. “The Opposite of Love” is no exception. This powerful play dives deep into themes of love, intimacy, trauma, and healing, offering a poignant exploration that resonates on multiple levels.

Opening night photo – May 30, 2024, by Jeremy Varner

Trigger Warnings

“The Opposite of Love” tackles potentially triggering topics, including:

  • Sexual abuse, asssault, and non-consensual acts
  • Emotional and psychological trauma
  • Discussion of suicide
  • Graphic sexual language
  • Depictions of intimacy
Production photo by Jeremy Varner

The Story

“The Opposite of Love” is a contemporary drama set in NYC that centers around two characters: a young wealthy woman who is grappling with the aftermath of childhood sexual trauma and a down-on-his-luck male prostitute who learns more about himself and his own trauma. In the script, Eloise is described as a beautiful girl with tragic thoughts and Will is described as a tragic boy with beautiful thoughts. These descriptions ring true!

When we think about the opposite of love, the first thing that comes to mind is hatred but actually — the opposite of love is really indifference.

Production photo by Jeremy Varner

The Talkback with NYSCASA

Following the performance, there was an insightful and impactful talkback session with the cast of the play and a representative from the New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NYSCASA). NYSCASA plays a crucial role in supporting survivors of sexual violence and advocating for systemic change to prevent future violence. They are working to create a world where survivors are believed, supported, and empowered to heal.

The talkbalk highlighted the importance of community support and resources for those affected by sexual violence. It was a reminder of the real-world implications of the play’s themes and the ongoing efforts needed to address these critical issues.

The Cast and Crew

The strength of “The Opposite of Love” lies in its exceptional cast and crew, who bring the story to life with nuanced performances and sensitive direction.

Written by Ashley Griffin
Directed by Rachel Klein

Starring Danny Gardner as Will
Starring Ashley Griffin as Eloise

Set: Brendan Mc Cann
Lighting: Zach Pizza

Intimacy Director: Crista Marie Jackson

Stage Manager: Kelly Merritt

General Manager: Kaylin Kellin

Human beings…we’re not meant to be alone. To never be touched.

Eloise

The Opposite of Love has limited engagement plays until June 15. If you attend this play, I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments!

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