THE CHOSEN AT THEATREWORKS POWERFUL BUT OVERLY LONG
(l tor) Michael Navarra as older Reuven, Jonathan Bock as young Reuven and Thomas Gorrebeeck as Danny, in the baseball game that starts it all in The Chosen at TheatreWorks.
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Within the past few weeks, Aaron Posner has been provided the Bay area with drama, humor and intellect. First up was the excellent Marin Theatre Company production of his dramatization of Chaim Potok’s My Name is Asher Lev followed by his direction of a modern dress version of A Midsummer’s Night Dream at Cal Shakes. Now TheatreWorks is offering a first rate staging of his adaptation (with Chaim Potok) of Potok’s first and most successful novel The Chosen.
It is a novel about the moral and psychological growth of the two major characters from conflicting religious backgrounds who become strong true friends. It is set in 1940s
It begins with an older Reuven Malter (Michael Navarra) as the narrator and interlocutor filling in details as the story progresses from a 1944 boy’s baseball game to 1948 post WW II adulthood. Young Reuven (Jonathan Bock) of the secular group and Hasidic Danny Saunders (Thomas Gorrebeeck) display open hostility that gradually and emotionally bonds into friendship. Nevertheless, it is also a dramatic look into the relationship of father’s and sons that breathes compassion into the play. The loving bond between Reuven and his father David (Rolf Saxon) contrasts with the silence between Danny and his father Reb (Corey Fischer). Danny who is “the chosen” to fill the religious obligation of his ancestors is conflicted with his desires to join the secular world.
Michael Navarra carries the story line beautifully without intrusion even though he is on stage at all times. Jonathan Bock as young Reuven radiates a natural charm that contrasts with Thomas Gorrebeeck’s brilliant depiction of Danny’s inner conflict as he reaches out for friendship. The silence between Danny and his father Reb speaks volumes especially with the juxtaposition of Reuven’s father played with heart and warmth by Rolf Saxon. Oddly, Corey Fischer while giving a commendable performance, has the unenviable task of delivery two extended sermon like speeches that could be shortened without loss of effectiveness. Running time 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Kedar K. Adour, MD
Courtesy of www.theatreworldinternetmagazine.com