Worth-Weill
Happy End
Lyrics by Bertolt Brecht
Music by Kurt Weill
Original German Play by
Book and Lyrics adapted by Michael Feingold
Directed by David Fuller
Theater
Equity showcase (through May 27)
Review by Seth Bisen-Hersh
There aren’t enough
superlatives in the English language with which to laud Theater Ten Ten’s
production of Brecht and Weill’s Happy
End. Spectacular…superb…brilliant…are just a few possibilities. Incredible…amazing…unbelievable…are
some others. The first professional production in the city of
The plot of Happy End follows two groups – a band of
vagabond villains – and a herd of missionaries for the Salvation Army. The
thieves are trying to pull off a great heist, while the missionaries are trying
to pull off a great conversion – getting sinners to repent. Good and bad battle
it out in the squalid city. Incidentally, Happy
End resembles a darker, angrier version of the classic Guys and Dolls.
The book and score are
exactly what one would expect from a show with Brecht and Weill involved. The
book is melodramatic and biting with a touch of raunchiness. The score is
visceral and vital with a touch of sentimentality. Happy End has similar themes and sounds as the more renowned Three Penny Opera; however, it is much
more succinct, and therefore more effective in some ways.
Brechtian shows are very hard
to pull off well; in fact, in the hands of a bad director they are torture. Thankfully,
David Fuller is not only a good director – he is a great director. Sometimes
the Brechtian style gets in the way of the piece; the exact opposite happens
here. The style is used appropriately and impeccably in this production. Fuller
keeps the intensity of the piece going without letting it become overbearing. Furthermore,
he has a skilled use of the space, with various levels, and it always feels
balanced and never cramped.
The cast is extraordinary. Not
only can they all act and sing; but a handful even play instruments! It is quite a feat when an actor can put in
the time commitment to memorize instrumental parts, while acting at the same
time, while probably having at least one survival job since the show does not
pay. These actors deserve strong kudos: Elizabeth Fye, Allen Hale, Greg Horton,
Megan Loomis, Timothy McDonough, Michael C. O’Day and David Tillistrand.
Additionally, all of the
leads are phenomenal. In particular, as Lillian Holiday, Lorinda Lisitza brings the house down with her passionately intense
rendition of “Surabaya Johnny.” In
addition, Greg Horton is hilariously
diabolical as Dr. Nakamura. Finally, Cristiane
Young and Judith Jarosz both had
chances to menace as the Fly, leader of the burglars, and Major Stone, leader
of the mission.
Technically, the show is very
impressive. Giles Hogya’s set
develops a multitude of layers and levels. Its dark textures are mirrored in
his lighting design. The lighting design is fine-tuned – many tight, discrete,
discreet spots are created, and juxtaposed in split-second cues. The ambience
created fits the world of the show to a tee. Viviane Galloway’s costumes are mostly dark as well, fitting the
period and the world of the show. Finally, musical director Michael Harren keeps the ensemble and
instruments together, and in tune, very nicely. The sound is balanced as well,
with the orchestra never overpowering the singers with the aid of a few subtle
floor mics.
Thus, a talented, enchanting
ensemble, some of whom are skilled musicians, smart, stylized direction, and
delicious, detailed design all combined to make a worth-Weill production that,
in Brecht’s own words, is “fantastic beyond belief.”
Writing: 2
Directing: 2
Acting: 2
Sets: 2
Costumes: 2
Lighting/Sound: 2
Copyright 2007 Seth Bisen-Hersh
Return to Volume
Thirteen, Number Five Index
Return to Volume Thirteen Index
Return to Home Page