THEATRE LOVER MOM: Phoenix: Show Review by Robin Gorman Newman
Boy meets girl. Boy and girl have a fling. Girl gets pregnant and hesitates to tell boy. Boy steps up to the plate, despite believing he is sterile, and tries to talk girl out of having an abortion. While somewhat predictable, PHOENIX, by Scott Organ, has some literally “dead on” lines, but largely finds its appeal in the pairing of Emmy Award and Golden Globe nominee Julia Stiles and James Wirt. Wirt has a natural ease and appeal, and Stiles delivers the most when she digs down deep and gets teary-eyed. Her stiff character, otherwise, despite the flexible yoga poses she demonstrates, plays a bit one note….frustrating since Stiles is a highly engaging actress.
Scenic design is by Caite Hevner Kemp, costume design by Amit Gajwani, lighting design (well done) by Rick Carmona, sound design by Janie Bullard, scenic art by Burton Machen. Directed by Jennifer DeLia, PHOENIX plays a limited engagement through Saturday, August 23. It rus 90 minutes, no intermission.
PHOENIX premiered at the 34th Humana Festival of New American Plays at Actor’s Theatre of Louisville on March 5, 2010, and received its Off-Broadway premiere produced by The Barrow Group Theatre Company on April 10, 2010.
For tickets, visit the Cherry Lane box office at 38 Commerce Street, or order through OvationTix (212-352-3101 or www.phoenixtheplay.com). Ticket prices range from $55-$65. There will be a limited number of $25 general rush tickets available at the Cherry Lane box office on the day of performances (subject to availability).
Tags: julia stiles, nyc theatre, off broadway show, theatre blogger mom
