On a Wing and a “Prayer” (extended until May 25th)
By Cate Rees-Hessel with Wes Hessel
Northlight Theatre, in conjunction with Theater Wit, have created a production of “Prayer for the French Republic” which is, by far, one of the finest pieces of live theater I have ever seen. As a woman of faith with a Jewish heritage, this show touched my heart in so many ways. Messages that a prayer is hope and hate should never be reciprocated are strong and powerful. A family similar to mine – siblings, cousins, loveable patriarchs and matriarchs – are all involved in bringing the story to life. Everything about this magnificent three act is spectacular. I loved the realistic yet pretty set, and incredible use of lighting. This beautifully written and directed show is galvanizing and simply beautiful.
I simply cannot say enough good things about the cast – they each bring uniqueness to their roles. Proving the cliche originated by Stanislavski himself, “there are no small parts”, Jensen Keys as patriarch Pierre Solomon delivers a truly spectacular performance. His portrayal of an 86-year-old man who still sells pianos with his family’s name on them is one of the most touching and genuine characterizations I have had the pleasure to witness. Janet Ulrich Brooks, as the modern matriarch Marcelle, brings her impeccable comic timing and very heartfelt dramatic moments – she is a great pleasure to watch. I love an opening scene where her character describes their large extended family tree – it reminds me of my own big, beautiful clan, with my lovely cousin Michele handling our forest with military accuracy.
You can’t help but love this family of seemingly ordinary people. Maya Lou Hlava’s vegetarian distant American cousin Molly plays her character with verve and complete enthusiastic honesty. The son Daniel, ably brought to life by Max Stewart, wears his heart on his sleeve and resists the idea of hiding his religion under a baseball cap, despite a very unfortunate assault. Mr. Stewart does not overplay the victim – his depiction is spot on. I especially enjoyed a scene of him shirtless on a bridge over looking the Seine, serenading his distant cousin and love interest with a Bob Dylan song. Rae Gray, as the put upon daughter Elodie, gives one of the best onstage monologues that I have ever seen – during a club scene, seated at a table; she is extremely intriguing and complex, capturing the complete attention of the audience. Another very touching female monologue is beautifully executed by Kathy Scambiatterra as wartime mother Irma – her delivery is magnificent and sincere.
The rest of the brood are just as stupendous; Rom Barkhordar (Charles) demonstrates, in a just underplayed nicely way, what fear today can look like. Salomon members Adolphe (Torrey Hanson), Lucien (Alex Weisman), and Young Pierre (Nathan Becker) interlock, each contributing to a strident picture of the generations during and just after WW II. And bookending it all is narrator Patrick Salomon, portrayed in progressive focus by Lawrence Grimm, who eventually takes his place in the modern family scenes for a striking, pivotal counterpoint of view.
This poignantly touching and dramatically stirring work is a must witness for all – the impact is phenomenal yet unsettling, hopeful but realistic. Take the time to be there as they say a “Prayer for the French Republic” but do so before May 25th; for tickets or more information, please see www.northlight.org.
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