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| Katharina Schmidt, Laura Sudduth, and Mitch Greenberg in A Shayna Madel at Playhouse on Park thru Nov. 17th. |
The play, A Shayna Madel, is a powerful story of
survival and hope that, over 35 years after it was first produced, is still a
compelling and relevant show.
The setting is the Upper West
Side of New York City soon after World War II has ended. Rose Weiss (Laura Sudduth), a young woman
living on her own, is startled to learn from her father, Mordechai Weiss (Mitch
Greenberg), that her older sister Lusia (Katharina Schmidt) has survived the devastation
of the Holocaust, has been located in Europe, and is soon to arrive in the
States. The initial meeting of the two
women is fraught with anxiety and tension as they begin to reconnect and learn
to share their lives together in the small one-bedroom apartment. Complicating their growing rapport is their impassive,
stolid father and his personal agenda.
In flashbacks and dreamy imagery,
the audience learns the backstory of Lusia, her closeness with her childhood
friend Hanna (Julia Tolchin), the relationship with her now departed mother
(Krista Lucas), and the shocking reason one part of the family made it to
safety. Underlying the story is the
recent immigrant’s search for her missing husband Duvid (Alex Rafala) who she
believes has also entered the country.
In the end, the surviving members of the extended Weiss family come together
as they build new lives in an unfamiliar, but embracing country.
Playwright Barbara Lebow’s
work examines the resilience of individuals in time of upheaval and
life-altering change and how the bonds of family, while stretched and imperiled,
are strong and long-lasting. The play also
explores the assimilation and generational shift of people and their culture to
a new land, the joys, the promises, and the challenges it presents.
The cast members feel genuine
as they embrace their roles with exhilaration and solemnness. Laura Sudduth
imbues the role of Rose Weiss with the joy of newfound freedom and boundless
opportunity. The actress also tempers
her performance with empathy and compassion.
Katharina Schmidt’s Luisa is most convincing when portraying her somber
side in Rose’s apartment. Her languid
movements and speech speak volumes for what she experienced overseas. Mitch Greenberg
gives a nuanced performance as the father.
Outwardly, he is stoic and strict as he pushes forward in a new
world. But, underneath, the actor
conveys an inner pain and emotional emptiness. Julia Tolchin’s Hannah is full of girlish
exuberance and optimism. Alex Rafala displays
kindness and devotion as Duvid, a man who shows sincere love and concern for
his young bride Luisa. In her brief
moments on stage, Krista Lucas delivers a poignant portrayal of a mother lost
to the ravages of the Holocaust.
Director Dawn Loveland
Navarro has a tender, but forthright hand in shepherding this work through its
paces. She nimbly guides the two
actresses from nervous apprehension to a comfortable, loving sisterly
relationship. Ms. Navarro skillfully
integrates the dream sequences and flashbacks into a multi-layered
production. At times, the reality
segments and illusionary aspects of the play can be somewhat unclear but, with the
adept assistance of Lighting Designer Marcus Abbott, the grasp of the flow and
action of the play are more easily understood.
David Lewis’ Scenic Design is
apt for a 1946 Brooklyn apartment. The
set is utilitarian and functional, with few frills.
A Shayna Madel, playing at Playhouse on Park through November 17th. Information is at http://www.playhouseonpark.org/.
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