By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds
THE CHOSEN presented by Cincinnati in the Park through May 12th. I attended the opening night performance.
The cast of THE CHOSEN presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Photo credit to Mikki Schaffner.
Way back when I was a practicing Catholic and before I was Jew-ish, I was assigned to read a book in a high school religion class. In all honesty, The Chosen by Chaim Potok did not really pique my interest. I am uncertain if it was my age or my undiagnosed ADHD that served as the culprit, but I was not the book’s biggest fan. Make no mistake: I was thrilled to learn more about the Jewish faith through this story of an unlikely friendship formed between two boys who practiced different types of Judaism – but even after so much time had passed, I was of two minds about attending a stage adaptation. Fortunately for me (and for all of us), Aaron Posner’s adoption of the original text (not to mention his direction of the play itself) is nothing short of perfection.
Set Designer Daniel Conway gifts us with one of the most beautiful and functionally diverse sets ever seen. Complemented with creative and thoughtful lighting designed by Noele Stollmack, the stage is easily transformed from the homes of the boys to a baseball diamond to Reb Saunders’ shul (Yiddish for “synagogue”) and several other settings. Costume Designer Helen Q. Huang perfectly captures the orthodox garb of a Hasid in addition to the era-appropriate clothing of the modern orthodox members.
Mr. Posner’s direction of this extraordinarily talented ensemble of four performing artists is to be commended. Both pacing and use of the playing space are optimal. Further, we as the audience are emotionally invested from very nearly the first moment. In speaking with the lovely patron next to me who asked me at intermission if I was enjoying the show, she offered such a spot-on comment on how she felt about it: “It is as if you can feel the emotions coming off the stage right at you.” I agreed with her and enjoyed this description as it was a palpably impassioned experience.
As our narrator of sorts, Eli Mayer as Reuven Malter does an excellent job at aging right before our eyes by simply altering the way he carries himself throughout the production. Mr. Mayer is relatable and an excellent storyteller. In the role of Daniel “Danny” Saunders, Reuven’s would-be rival and eventual friend, Hillel Rosenshine delivers a top-notch performance of a brilliant yet socially awkward Hasid whose mind seems to be both a blessing and a curse. Mr. Rosenshine matches Mr. Mayer’s physicality in his own character’s journey and it is magical.
Not to be outdone by their on-stage progeny, Steve Routman is affable and paternal as David Malter, Rueven’s empathetic and kind father who encourages the boys to be friends. I do not believe there is a person out there who would not want a father as portrayed by Mr. Routman and I sincerely hope the poor man isn’t accosted by too many hugs after his performances.
While it is difficult to focus on any one actor above the other (truly, they are that good), particular praise must be paid to Ron Orbach as Reb Saunders, the consummate leader of his congregation. Reb’s emotional journey is perhaps the most dramatic of all, even when there are times you may wonder if you can possibly find the character at all sympathetic. So many of the audience’s audible reactions from laughs to “oohs” to tears are due to Mr. Orbach’s impeccable execution. (Fun fact: be sure to read his bio to find out which one of my favourite films from when I was a teen boasts his talents.)
Click here for more information on the production.
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 