![]() For a play that engages Puccini’s opera “Madama Butterfly” as much as this one does, this is a serious setback.įortunately, the gap in grandeur is filled to a large extent by Jake Manabat, who plays Song Liling. The more damaging issue, however, is Verbrugghe’s lack of operatic stature. Although I haven’t personally spoken with his character on the matter, I believe he’d prefer to be called Ron. Verbrugghe’s Rene seems like he has been to Europe maybe once - and hated it. But like Jeremy Irons, who starred in David Cronenberg’s 1993 film, he had an international air about him. John Lithgow, who originated the role onstage, may not have been especially Gallic. Verbrugghe’s portrayal has a modest charm, but the character seems to have wandered in from an American TV drama, possibly NBC’s “This Is Us.” Lucas Verbrugghe, though an appealing and sensitive actor, is miscast as Rene Gallimard, the French diplomat who falls for the Chinese opera diva whose femininity is an elaborate charade. They hesitate to command the large stage - and he, she or gender-neutral-pronoun-of-your-choice who hesitates in “M. ![]() ![]() ![]() A few ensemble members seem at times to be under the impression that they’re performing in an intimate venue. The acting in Chiang’s production, however, has some weak spots, and the pacing is erratic. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |