Lempicka

Robert Massimi

From:[email protected]

To:Robert Massimi.

Sun, Apr 14 at 10:51 AM

When the Tony's get announced look for "Lempicka" to get more than a few nominations! In what is one of the best Broadway shows I have seen this spring, the musical has a little something for everyone at the Longacre Theatre. At times the show has a little glam, at times it is Bohemian, and at all times it is fast moving with a very good plot. As Tamara De Lempicka Eden Espinosa is flawless in her role; she commands the stage with her deft acting and singing.

Billed as a modern musical we immediately feel its effects with the brilliant modern set by Riccardo Hernandez, the erector set raw iron painted in black is both efficient and useful. Capturing the mood brilliantly is the lighting backstopped by Bradley King. Right in tune with the mood of this behemoth musical, King is magnificent with the choice of colors and how they set against the backdrop. Director Rachel Chavkin is keen on the different periods here, from the revolutionary war in Russia, the Bohemian lifestyle in Paris, the emotions between De Lempicka, her husband, her lover keeps it interesting in this two hour- fifteen minute gem!

Carson Kreitzer gives us the original concept as well as the book and lyrics. Matt Gould( book and music). The music is so complementary toward the story that it becomes deeply embedded in the plot.As the show touches on some very deep and disturbing issues, the audience is never drawn to deep into its macabre issues; rather, it is given to us in a skin surface way. Focusing more on the seedy part of Paris and the outcasts of society, one that Tamara embarrassed and her husband Tadeusz (Andrew Samonsky) hated.Whereas he came from royalty, Tamara was the daughter of a merchant Jew in Poland. When the revolution hits it is Tamara who scrubs floors to make ends meat in Paris. When she becomes a celebrated artist it is then that her husband begins to look for work.

As the show moves forward both Amber Iman as Rafaela and George Abud as Marinetti bring depth and edginess to this musical. Both believable and exquisite the two actors command their roles; they sing and dance to perfection. Raja Feather Kelly in the choreography here is simple but elegant. The same can be said for Paloma Young's costumes. Both Kelly and Young add supportable additions here but never too overstated.

"Lempicka" ebbs and flows with a wonderful nuance to the plot; it is a comfortable musical that deals with raw subject matter. Running the gamete of emotion, both the stars, the supporting cast as well as the ensemble casting bring us back in time to a period that is unsettled, where people do what they have to do to survive. It is a time through the early 20's till the mid 1970's when homosexuals, gypsy's and Jews had to keep out of sight or risk imprisonment, or death. As it is brilliantly directed and choreographed, it is highly recommended!

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Next up is Suffs and Uncle Vanya. So far the spring season for the most part has been great! Starting with Doubt was better than expected; Water For Elephants was sensational; Enemy of The People was very good; the surprise so far was off Broadway with The Sign of The Times. Disappointing was Days of Wine And Roses, The Notebook, Tommy (not as good as in the 1990's), Cabaret (was to fluffy).

Looking towards Heart of Rock and Roll, Great Gatsby, Hells Kitchen and Home latter this season.

NY Times, Wall Street Journal, CNN, Fox News, www.broadwayworld.com, www.solar wind.org, Nimbus Magazine, Broadway Bob, Vocal Media, Broadway, Hamilton, The Lion King, Aladdin, Harry Potter, Cabaret, The Wiz, Tommy, Suffs, Outsiders, Hells Kitchen, Heart of Rock and Roll.