ALONG COMES MARY

Thanks to The Broad Stage, I got to head out to Santa Monica (which is slowly becoming my home away from home; any chance I get to be in that heaven on earth city of beach, sand, palm trees, pretty people & stores with home décor & dresses I cannot afford, I am there) last night for opening night of Mikhail Baryshnikov & Big Dance Theatre’s Man in A Case; a multi-media stage production of Anton Chekhov’s tragic love tales, Man in A Case & About Love.

First up was the title play. Baryshnikov is the tragic, doomed leading man, hopelessly in-love with a beautiful young woman, but that love & affection may get the best of him. Horrible past recollections & insecurity plague this man’s mind. Portraying a loner, his world consists of old television sets & books surrounding him; the TVs serve as insight for a further look into his feelings, & those around him. A camera is also used to snap pictures that are then shined on stage; it’s a bit hard to put into words, but these subtle effects truly added to this experience for me & I was so moved by his struggles & getting a glimpse as to how this character sees the world around him.

About Love returns us to how we first see the cast, gathered at a dining table. Baryshinikov is now playing a man smitten with a married woman, whom he is trying to get over. He, along with female co-star, Tymberly Canale, speak many of their emotions through movement. It was beautiful to see the famed Ballet star put some of his moves to work, while Canale is a flawless beauty. A perfect partnership.

The remaining of this mighty yet intimate cast consists of Jess Barbagallo, Chris Giarmo & Aaron Mattocks. Barbagallo’s performance as Burkin comes across a bit as the narrator; filling in the blanks as the show progresses, Mattocks shines in the first portion as a tough Ukrainian, with a powerful scene with Baryshikov towards the finale & Giarmo surprises us all with busting out a gorgeous choir voice in song; I did not anticipate the music & singing that came.

And, Baryshnikov! The world-renowned ballet dancer, actor, artist & recently named Officer of the French Legion of Honor, has such an intense, vibrant stage presence. It was incredible to in be the same room with this man. What really amazed me was his ability to portray these cryptic, powerful roles, yet never once overshine his fellow stage members. Prior to attending, I was all about seeing him. I left appreciating the entire cast.

Man in A Case will play through May 10th at The Broad Stage. Parking is available on site but since the theatre is on Santa Monica College’s campus, there is also a park & ride shuttle offered at the nearby Santa Monica Library. One of my favorite scenes did include strobe lights, & there is brief adult language. The play is an hour & 15 minutes with a strict no late seating policy, so make sure to get there in plenty of time so you do not miss this extraordinary piece. Tickets & further info can be found on their web-site here.

(*Disclosure: I was provided press tickets in exchange for this feature. As always, all opinions are my own.)