MEF reviews "Bernarda Alba" (1st preview)

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 2/11/06 at 10:48pm

I've just returned from the first preview performance of "Bernarda Alba", Michael John LaChiusa's mesmirizing adaptation of Federico Garcia Lorca's masterpiece, currently at Lincoln Center's Mitzi Newhouse Theatre. Set simply on an almost bare stage with 10 wooden chairs (one for each performer), the cast brilliantly transported the audience from a snowy 21-st century evening in Manhattan to the balmy South of Spain, circa 1930.

After the death of her second husband, Bernarda (the commanding Phylicia Rashad, who sounded the best I've ever heard her sound) decrees that during the period of mourning, no one is to enter or exit the house for any reason. This does not sit well with her five daughters, but they are so terrified of her that they would never dare go against an order of hers.

Her daughters are all alike and different: Angustias (Saundra Santiago), the only child of her first marriage, is wealthy due to the large sum of money her father left her and thus becomes the object of desire for men in the town (it is also hinted at that she had an affair with her stepfather). Magdalena (Judy Blazer, a first-rate LaChiusa interpreter) is a gifted seamstress, but lazy. Amelia (Sally Murphy) is beautiful but shy. Martirio (the brilliant Daphne Rubin-Vega) is crippled and ugly; her lack of beauty brings shame upon her mother. Finally, there is Adela (the breathtaking Nikki M. James), a firecracker, and the only one who isn't afraid to stand up to Bernarda's tyranny.

Presiding over the ceremonies is Poncia, played with scene-stealing vigor by Candy Buckley. A servant in the house for thirty years, she can read Bernarda like a book.

LaChiusa's music, inspired by flamenco rhythms, is among the most accomplished he has ever written. Dark and brooding, yet delicate as well, it perfectly captures the atmosphere of Bernarda Alba's prison.

There is not one weak link in the cast, but the standout is definitely Ms. Rubin-Vega. Much like Donna Murphy's Fosca, she completely invests herself in the hideousness and wretchedness of her character. When she sings, the anguish in her voice can cut you like a nice. When she is acting, you are filled with both empathy and hatred for her character. Truly a tour-de-force. It is also good to have Ms. Blazer back on stage, where she belongs. Her voice is as expressive as always.

Lincoln Center has a hit on its hand with this show.

[BSoBW3]

Posted: 2/11/06 at 10:52pm

Thanks for the great review!

I have some more questions about the interpretation, but I'll ask later

P.S. Now we both have the fear of a fire at sea in our avs!

Updated On: 2/11/06 at 10:52 PM

[timote316]

Posted: 2/11/06 at 10:56pm

Very good review! I wish I could see this...

[Blue J]

Posted: 2/11/06 at 10:59pm

Thank you for the review! I'm really looking forward to seeing this.

I know this is only the first preview and will most likely change, but could you tell me about how long the show was?

[broadwaygiant19122]

Posted: 2/11/06 at 11:04pm

some of his best music...and i can't see it!.... im devastated.

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 2/11/06 at 11:07pm

How was Nikki M James? Loved her in ASU....

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 2/11/06 at 11:10pm

The show is 90 minutes, no intermission.

Nikki M. James blew the roof off the Newhouse. That girl's got some pipes!

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 2/11/06 at 11:26pm

I hear that tickets show up online nearly every day. Keep checking back if you really want to see it.

[bobbystrong]

Posted: 2/11/06 at 11:43pm

Unfortunately, I have a different opinion. It needs a lot of work. I do agree that Daphne Rubin-Vega gives a beautiful performance - she comes off best.

I don't have much time to go into detail. But the score is weak - the whole thing was mostly frustrating.

Rashad needs more (and better) material! She is an amazing talent - its an amazing, juicy role - why was she not given a big moment?

[starsprite]

Posted: 2/12/06 at 12:14am

Thanks for the review. This is definitely a show that I would love to see!

[Jazzysuite82]

Posted: 2/12/06 at 12:35am

YEah ummm I'm not sure it's really fair to review a show on the first preview.

[Thesbijean]

Posted: 2/12/06 at 12:48am

I cannot wait as well

[mentaltenant]

Posted: 2/12/06 at 5:32am

ah i came here hoping someone had seen a preview tonight! yay! Thanks for the review! For some reason I knew Daphne would step up and, as she does with everything, really tackle the role. I wish I could see it!

[sweetiedarlinmia]

Posted: 2/15/06 at 2:10am

Thanks for the review. I knew this was going to be amazing and I have to find a way to get up there to see this piece.
Updated On: 2/15/06 at 02:10 AM

[downtowndiva84]

Posted: 2/15/06 at 2:18am

I've heard rumors that the entire run is sold out. Is this true?? Say it ain't so!!!!

Is there any hope? I'm a huge DRV fan and am thrilled to see her receiving such rave reviews.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 2/15/06 at 6:36am

Tickets are being released almost every day, as Margo said. Just keep checking and I'm sure you'll get a seat.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 2/17/06 at 1:41pm

I read this play in Spanish, and didn't care for it...but I am overjoyed that one of my favorite composers and two of my favorite stage actreses (Rashad, Daphne) are performing. I can't wait to see this...

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 2/17/06 at 1:49pm

I saw a student production of it when I was at university and really enjoyed it. I do remember it being well over the 90 minute mark though, and having an interval. So I don't know how it's been that truncated when they're adding songs to it.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 2/17/06 at 1:54pm

I was able to look up one ticket for tomorrow afternoon, but then I wanted to go back and see for next weekend, and when I re-checked for tomorrow the ticket was already gone, and the soonest ticket I could get (for a weekend matinee) was March 5th...

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 2/17/06 at 2:00pm

You snooze, you lose Munk!

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 2/17/06 at 3:53pm

Looks like another of his scores will get recorded. MJC seems to be pumping out these scores, which is fine by me. I can't wait to hear and see images from the show, sounds very different, but intriguing.

[BSoBW3]

Posted: 2/17/06 at 3:54pm

I am sure he has five operas done for that 2012 competition

He wrote most of his stuff a while ago, which is nice.

Two shows in one season!

Just like TWP and MC.

[touchmeinthemorning]

Posted: 2/20/06 at 3:44pm

I saw this on a Saturday night with a friend. We got tickets to the performance that began in 45 minutes. Tickets are being made constantly available.

I'd say this is the best of the new shows that has opened in NYC this season. I found Rashad to be fantastic in the lead role of Bernarda. I agree 100% that Nikki and Daphne give the two star turns.

Daphne has really come into her own as an actor. She is remarkable in the HUGE choices she makes, and she always hits the mark dead on. I'd love to see her win something for her role in this show.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 2/20/06 at 4:18pm

Touch, I completely agree about Daphne (and I'm usually not a fan). I see an Obie in her future.

[ruprecht]

Posted: 2/20/06 at 7:15pm

While I agree that DRV is wonderful, I was a bit less enthusiastic about the show itself. It's never been a favorite of mine (as it's such a downer) and I went more to see the cast but I found the songs very (for lack of a better phrase), uncatchy. No melodies you could latch onto to speak of, which is my main "problem" with MJL. I like Nikki James but was not blown away. Rashad was saddled with some of the more uninspired songs. All in all, if you are a fan of this play, you will enjoy this production, if not, this won't make you a convert.