The Howard – Theater Review – “INDECENT” at Playhouse on Park

Reviewer:                         Howard Steven Frydman aka “The Howard”

Production:                       INDECENT  

Theater:                            Playhouse On Park

Written:                            Paula Vogel

Music Director:                Alexander Sovronsky

Director:                           Kelly O’Donnell

Choreographer:                Katie Stevenson-Nollet

Scenic Designer:              Johann Fitzpatrick

The Howard Says – “A Theatrical Tour De Force at POP”

I grew up with the stories of the Yiddish theater. My father, Yankel, a survivor of the Holocaust, he would so delight when he would see a Jewish performer on TV reciting in Yiddish. Be it the famous Molly Picon, the matchmaker of “Fiddler on the Roof” fame, or whenever the bigger than life Sophie Tucker would sing “My Yiddishe Momme” – on the Ed Sullivan Show. A true fact- my grandmother Rose and Sophie Tucker were fast friends – but that’s a tale for another day. Though I don’t speak “Yiddish”, I have picked up a “bissel” (small bit) of expressive Yiddish vocabularies that I often try to sprinkle in my theater reviews. Yiddish theater – my father, if he was still with us, would be so proud, he would be “kvelling” (joy) to see Playhouse on Park’s production of “Indecent’ – to hear those Yiddish words, the songs, the dances, the stories-the raw on-stage emotion, the excellent ensemble of actors – yet you the living can still witness this heart-wrenching masterpiece of theater. As a reviewer, I am “kvelling” with pride, and I beseech all to see this most exceptional musical adaptation of the Tony Award Winning Play, “Indecent” by Paula Vogel, part of Playhouse on Park’s 14th Main Stage Season, in production from January 25^th through February 26^th at POP in West Hartford Connecticut.

Firstly, let me state I am so PROUD of Playhouse Theater Group Co-founders, Tracy Flater, Sean Harris and Darlene Zoller for presenting this marvelously passionate production- “Indecent” – it is desperately needed to be seen and heard at this time and place. Throughout the momentum of history, it is through live theater, not only here in Connecticut, but currently on Broadway that has the “stand-up and be counted” courage this day to address and shed a light on the ever-increasing expressions of prejudice. Secondly, there is literally nothing that is indecent about “Indecent”- the controversy – two women kissing in the rain. “Indecent” is courageous in so many aspects, a story within a story, filled with wonder, love, and passion. It would certainly be indecent if theater goers didn’t have the opportunity to see this live theatrical production- once again thank you P.O.P.!!

“Indecent” by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel provides a spellbinding narrative of the controversial 1923 Broadway debut and “making of” Jewish playwright Sholem Asch’s “God of Vengeance”—a play about a forbidden lesbian romance that enchanted and outraged audiences” during its time. Throughout this 1 hour and 45-minute production, we follow a group of actors, men and women, young and old, as they travel from Europe to America performing a play that they will personally risk their lives to perform. Highlighted with Yiddish sub-titles, exuberant music and dance, it is a story that will tug at your heartstrings one moment and then fill you with joy and compassion the next.

I send kudos and appreciative bows to Director, Kelly O’Donnell, who has infused all aspects of this “beautifully crafted” production with an impressive riveting theatrical “Tour De force”- Brava!! Our ensemble of actors- you made me cry, laugh- you made me think, so full of pathos and passion in your acting skills – I applaud you all including: Noa Graham, Bart Shatto, Kirsten Peacock, Helen Laser, Dan Krackhardt, Alexander Sovronsky, Michelle Lemon, Jack Theiling, Ben McLaughlin, and Sydney Weiser. The coveted “Howard Noticed You Awards” aka “The HNY’s” is bestowed onto both – Bart Shatto as “The Elder” and Dan Zimberg as “Lemmi” – impressive on-stage performances -highly charged and emotional!! BTW Dan- you reminded me of my own dad – Yankel! Good work all!! Once again “Bravo” to Playhouse on Park for this riveting, thought provoking production!! Enjoy!   

Tickets are now on sale for INDECENT, and range from $45-$55. Group rates available! Student and Senior discounts are also available. Previews are on January 25 and 26, with all tickets at $25. For information on deeply discounted tickets including Lunch Time Special and Student Rush, visit the website. 2pm matinees are on Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Evening performances are at 7:30pm on Wednesday and Thursday, and at 8pm on Friday and Saturday. There will be a talk back with the cast after each Sunday matinee.

COVID-19 Policy: Vaccination card checks and masks are not required. However, masks are strongly recommended.

For more information or tickets, call the Box Office at 860-523-5900 x10 or visit http://www.playhouseonpark.org. Playhouse on Park offers discounts for group sales; inquire today! Playhouse on Park is located at 244 Park Road, West Hartford, CT 06119.

Howard Steven Frydman is General Manager and Executive Director of BATV – Channels 5, 95 & 96 and a member of the CCC. Please feel free to contact Mr. Frydman with your thoughts and ideas at TheHoward24@gmail.com.