Only two weeks into previews, the World Premiere of All the World’s a Stage is developing into a warm and enjoyable spring offering. Though set in 1996 in small-town Pennsylvania, sadly the themes covered could be ripped from today’s headlines. Adam Gwon’s lyrics are dense and expressive, but despite the many complex subjects he explores — bullying, book banning, religious indoctrination, and the very human need to be seen — it is hopefulness that is heard above them all. Pair that with a memorable score and a quartet of talented performers, and this tale of a gay math teacher and the unusual student he mentors add up to a winning piece of entertainment.
The actors work together like four limbs of the same magical being. Eliza Pagelle is wonderfully squirmy, adrift in her baggy cloths as unpopular high school senior Sam. Matt Rodin embraces both the nerdiness and attractiveness of her protective closeted teacher Ricky. Jon-Michael Reese and his big bold voice are perfectly suited to self-possessed bookstore owner Michael, who is out accompanied by trumpets and klieg lights. And Elizabeth Stanley puts a relatable chink in the armor of by-the-book administrator Dede.
Production Photography: Richard Termine
Keen Company’s Artistic Director, Jonathan Silverstein, takes the helm as the director of this lovely work. The effect employed to create the unseen school principal is an example of his clever approach to promoting the big things in this small package. Set designer Steven Kemp has made the most of the tight space in Theatre Row’s Theater 5, placing a short cinder block wall around the musicians and steps downstage to add more dimension. Jennifer Paar has built an impressive wardrobe for each of the four central characters giving them even more to work with.
Gwon’s book is filled with cultural references that have traveled well through time, especially the admiration for Tony Kushner’s Angels in America which was recently revived in New York and London. Many lines earn a laugh of recognition from the audience. (Who among us didn’t prefer listening to the cast album of Chess over following the stock market?) His love for and knowledge of the theater is particularly needed at this time when the art form has been under attack. The musical numbers cover a wide range of styles from the jingly “Saturday Night in a Small Auditorium”, through the campy “The Show Must Go On,” to the heartfelt “Mirrors” which had the hulk of a man sitting next to me weeping hard enough to wiggle my seat. The four musicians under the direction of Andrea Grody stay wonderfully engaged with the onstage happenings without calling attention to themselves.
All the World’s a Stage packs a lot of emotion and life lessons into its current runtime of an hour and 40 minutes without getting preachy or losing its humanity. It’s a compact work with enough heart to feel expansive. Performances continue at Theatre Row thought May 10. Tickets beginning at $25 can be purchased online at www.keencompany.org, by phone at 212-714-2442 ex 45, or at Theatre Row Box Office at 410 W 42nd Street.
The Unforgettable Line 