Cast of ‘For the Last Time.’ Photo by Russ Rowland.
This new jazz musical is based on Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel, The Marble Faun, directed by Will Pomerantz. Set in the early 1950’s in New Orleans, four African American artists create an Eden of music and art. As the play begins Miriam (played by Brittany Campbell) is sketching intently in her studio, and her naïve cousin, writer Hilda (played by Anita Welch) arrives. They rekindle their past lives in Cleveland, Hilda beginning her new life in New Orleans, and Miriam’s reason for leaving for Art School in Chicago. They venture to the museum where Miriam introduces Hilda to her friend, club owner Kenyon (played by Carl Clemons-Hopkins) and his young protégé, Donatello (played by Britton Smith). Kenyon as promised finds housing for Hilda in the parish; along with Donatello plan to introduce the timid lady to all that New Orleans has to offer belting out the snazzy dance tune, “When In Rome.” The plot is a rich fabric of love and tragedy, Carnival and art, passion, loss and finding oneself.
. . . a wonderful evening of theatre.
Brittany Campbell was phenomenal in her portrayal of Miriam. Her voice was impeccable and brought life to the inner turmoil that her character faced. Anita Welch’s performance of Hilda was unmatched, her voice captivated the audience while performing the moving ballad, “Little Girl in a Big World,” and her acting magnified the experience. Carl Clemmons-Hopkins stole the show from the moment he entered the stage as Kenyon. His velvety baritone and jovial persona left the audience enthralled. Britton Smith made you fall in love with his innocence and vulnerability as the young Donatello. The maturity of his vocal quality and range was that of liquid gold. Reggie D. White was astounding as the Overseer/Teacher in which you will want to love and hate him at the same time. Kim Exum and Jason Veasey concluded the company and did remarkable in their respective roles.
Director Will Pomerantz did an incredible job putting together this production that encompassed love, passion, overcoming and facing your demons. The pacing of the show kept the audience engaged and in wonderment of what would happen next. The production team, headed by John McDermott (Scenic Designer), Whitney Locher (Costume Designer), Jimmy Lawlor (Lightening Designer), Kevin Heard (Sound Designer), Judy Merrick (Properties Designer) Cristina Knutson (Fight Choreographer) Angie Hesterman (Stage Manager) Corey Pearlstein (General Manager), and Casting by Michael Cassara. The Band includes: Arrangements and Orchestration by Dennis Mackrel, Musical Direction by Cody Owen Stine, Associate Musical Director Alphonso Home, Nathan Ellman-Bell, Eleanor Norton, and Eric Wheeler.
The stage was split into four sections: Miriam’s Studio, Hilda’s Apartment, Kenyon’s Club, and the French Quarter and perfectly reflected the time period and the uniqueness of each character. The lighting and jazz pre-show music fit the piece perfectly and transformed the audience into 1950’s New Orleans.
For The Last Time is definitely a production worth seeing. The richness of the text along with the extremely talented ensemble of performers make for a wonderful evening of theatre. There is comedy, the quest for love, superb singing, and relatable themes we can apply to everyday life.
Running Time: Approximately two hours, with a ten minute intermission.
Advisory: Content not suitable for minors, graphic content and profanity.
For The Last Time plays through June 20, 2015 at The Clurman Theatre at Theatre Row, 410 West 42nd Street, in Manhattan, New York. For more information, click here.
