REVIEW: See What I Wanna See

A Review

A Happening in Central Park

By R. J. Donovan

Lyric Stage has chosen Michael John LaChiusa's off-Broadway hit "See What I Wanna See" as their first show of the new year. It's a challenging choice as the piece is described as a provocative, psychological exploration of truth and subjective perceptions.

The two acts involve two separate stories, although both are based on short stories by Japanese author Ryunosuke Akutagawa. Act One, set in New York in 1951 and entitled "R Shoman," is based on Akutagawa's "In The Grove" -- which also served as the basis for the classic Akira Kurosawa film "Rashoman."

The story examines the rape of a woman and the subsequent murder or suicide of her husband from the perspective of different witnesses and participants. Although sharing common knowledge of the same encounter, each puts a personal spin on the story to position himself or herself in the most positive light.

Act Two, called "Gloryday," is set in the aftermath of September 11. Based on Akutagawa's "The Dragon," the plot involves a troubled priest who plays on the faith of the public by predicting an appearance of The Messiah in Central Park. In the end, the disillusioned scam artist gets far more than he bargained for.

Both acts are preceded by a short curtain-raiser involving at a pair of medieval Japanese lovers, each plotting to kill the other.

As truth becomes lies and lies become the truth, LaChiusa's edgy style and structure sends the audience on an introspective journey. The characters not only see what they want to see, they often see what they NEED to see.

Directed by Stephen Terrell, the company of five fill multiple roles. Andrew Giordano (the male medieval lover, the husband in the first act and a screwy CPA in the second) has a wonderful singing voice that fills the theatre with its power. Aimee Doherty, who audiences will remember from SpeakEasy Stage's productions of "The Women," "Company" and the recent "Bubbly Black Girl," is the possible rape victim as well as the female Japanese lover. She tears up the stage with the title number.

June Balboian is very funny, first as a medium who communicates with the dead husband in Act One and then as the priest's opinionated aunt in Act Two. Andrew Schufman is the possible murderer in Act One.

Finally, Brenda McNab, who appeared in Lyric's "1776" earlier this year and was wonderful in "Kiss Of The Spider Woman" last season at SpeakEasy, has the small part of a janitor in Act One before taking over the stage in Act Two, giving a passionate performance as the priest.

A dark, non-tradtional piece of musical theatre that often borders on the operatic, "See What I Wanna See" is at the Lyric through February 3.

"See What I Wanna See" is at Lyric Stage, 140 Clarendon Street in Boston, through February 3. For information, call 617-585-5678.

-- OnStage Boston

01/12/07

			A Review A Happening in Central Park By R. J. Donovan Lyric Stage has chosen Michael John LaChiusa's off-Broadway hit "See What I Wanna See" as their first show of the new year. It's a challenging choice as the piece is described as a provocative, psychological exploration of truth and subjective perceptions. The two acts involve two separate stories, although both are based on short stories by Japanese author Ryunosuke Akutagawa. Act One, set in New York in 1951 and entitled "R Shoman," is based on Akutagawa's "In The Grove" -- which also served as the basis for the classic Akira Kurosawa film "Rashoman." The story examines the rape of a woman and the subsequent murder or suicide of her husband from the perspective of different witnesses and participants. Although sharing common knowledge of the same encounter, each puts a personal spin on the story to position himself or herself in the most positive light. Act Two, called "Gloryday," is set in the aftermath of September 11. Based on Akutagawa's "The Dragon," the plot involves a troubled priest who plays on the faith of the public by predicting an appearance of The Messiah in Central Park. In the end, the disillusioned scam artist gets far more than he bargained for. Both acts are preceded by a short curtain-raiser involving at a pair of medieval Japanese lovers, each plotting to kill the other. As truth becomes lies and lies become the truth, LaChiusa's edgy style and structure sends the audience on an introspective journey. The characters not only see what they want to see, they often see what they NEED to see. Directed by Stephen Terrell, the company of five fill multiple roles. Andrew Giordano (the male medieval lover, the husband in the first act and a screwy CPA in the second) has a wonderful singing voice that fills the theatre with its power. Aimee Doherty, who audiences will remember from SpeakEasy Stage's productions of "The Women," "Company" and the recent "Bubbly Black Girl," is the possible rape victim as well as the female Japanese lover. She tears up the stage with the title number. June Balboian is very funny, first as a medium who communicates with the dead husband in Act One and then as the priest's opinionated aunt in Act Two. Andrew Schufman is the possible murderer in Act One. Finally, Brenda McNab, who appeared in Lyric's "1776" earlier this year and was wonderful in "Kiss Of The Spider Woman" last season at SpeakEasy, has the small part of a janitor in Act One before taking over the stage in Act Two, giving a passionate performance as the priest. A dark, non-tradtional piece of musical theatre that often borders on the operatic, "See What I Wanna See" is at the Lyric through February 3. "See What I Wanna See" is at Lyric Stage, 140 Clarendon Street in Boston, through February 3. For information, call 617-585-5678. -- OnStage Boston 01/12/07

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