Part biography, part musical revue, Jimmy Logan’s Lauder is a jubilant celebration of “Scotland’s Kilted King of Broadway.” Born in 1870 in Edinburgh, Harry Lauder used laughter, imagination, and a strong sense of self to move up in the competitive world of music hall entertainment to become an international star and an early brand ambassador for Scotland. As the eldest child of 7, there was tremendous pressure on him to bring money into his household from a young age. But he was also lucky enough to find enduring love along the way.
From his entrance down the aisle, Jamie MacDougall throws himself into the role of this unforgettable comedian/minstrel with complete joy and commitment. Trained as a classical singer, he delivers the tunes about bonnie lassies with a soothing voice and a smile. An interview with an unseen reporter is used as the pretext for sharing highlights of Lauder’s journey beginning around age 10 and ending as the Scottish troops were coming home from the French front.
Directed by Kally Lloyd-Jones who also helped adapt Logan’s script, MacDougall is relaxed interacting with the audience. In Janis Hart’s design, a wicker travel chest and clothing rack hold the props and accessories he needs to fill out the images from Lauder’s history. Music director Derek Clark accompanies on the piano and helps expand the stage patter.
Whether you are familiar enough with the Harry Lauder songbook to sing along or getting introduced to his work, Lauder is a pleasant division from the constant bombardment of controversy and buzz. The explosive sound effects of war are the only disturbance. Produced by Scottish Opera and Loch Doune Productions, this offering is part of 59E59’s Brits Off Broadway series. Performances continue through Sunday, June 7 at 59 East 59th between Park and Madison Avenues in Theater B. Running time is listed as 75 minutes, though it ran closer to a full hour and a half this past Sunday afternoon. Tickets are all $44 for non-members and “best seat in the house” is a personal choice. Those requiring legroom should opt for row AA.
The Unforgettable Line 
Square Go
Get ready to go toe to toe with two terrific actors in the fast moving and highly entertaining Square Go. (A “Square Go” is a Scottish term for an all-out fist fight.) Max has made an unfortunate remark that received the wrong kind of attention from local bully-in-chief Danny Guthrie. Now he’s been challenged to fight it out in the playground. Max’s best friend, the affable and slightly dim Stevie, stands firmly at his friend’s back But his support will be limited to the moral kind. The audience is therefore invited to participate in Max’s preparation for an almost certain pummeling at Danny’s bigger and more experienced hands. As we contribute our cheers and a hand or two, we learn the key turning points that led to this undesirable moment in Max’s short life.
Several components put this slice-of-life tale in a class above most two-handers. The writing by Kieran Hurley and Gary McNair is poignant, humorous, and well edited. Both Daniel Portman (Poderick Payne on Game of Thrones) and Gavin Jon Wright (Black Watch with the National Theatre of Scotland) turn in wonderfully layered performances. Wearing boxing shorts and tank tops which fully display bodies that obviously did not just emerge from the New York Sports Club next door to the theater, they perfectly capture the awkwardness of their youthful characters.
What stands out even more is the viewpoint, with the action moving seamlessly from a school, to various locations around small-town Scotland, to inside the characters’ heads, to inside the theater. The entire creative process used to tell the story is imaginative and well executed. The setting is a simple square imbedded on the floor. The rest of the background is filled in with a soundscape and lighting. The lights designed by Peter Small, props developed by Martha Mamo, and original soundtrack provided by members of Frightened Rabbit are integral to Wright’s remarkable portrayal of multiple characters. Portman has the tougher job of bringing variation to the more straightforward role of the downtrodden Max.
Daniel Portman and Gavin Jon Wright in SQUARE GO. Photo by Carol Rosegg
Director Finn Den Hertog, who won a Scotsman Fringe First Awards for this production, has staged the entire piece within the square with the audience on all four sides just like a wrestling arena. The energy builds from the close proximity and the physical containment of the actors. The players’ interactions with the audience — which can often be awkward — are carefully crafted and skillfully managed. There’s no room for bad moods or poor sportsmanship from the crowd. You’ll be required to keep your feet out of their space and your head in their game.
Arriving at a time when toxic masculinity is being reevaluated by all genders, Square Go presents a universal story in a singular fashion. Though the details of Max’s journey may be particular to him, the experience of trying to find one’s place in the world is one that everyone can understand. Performances run through June 30 in Theater C at 59E59. Tickets are $25 ($20 for members) and seating is general admission. Running time is 60 minutes, with no intermission. To purchase or for more information, call the 59E59 Box Office at 646-892-7999 or visit www.59e59.org.