Seldom does a play actually move an audience; most are stories we soon forget about people who will be remembered for a day or two. That is far from the case with Jon Marans' Old Wicked Songs.
The action takes place over several months in 1986. Young American pianist Stephen Hoffman (Tom Zohar) has developed a very serious artistic block. He has traveled to Vienna and is under the tutelage of renowned Professor Josef Mashkan (Robert Grossman). Director David Ellenstein cast an ideal contrast.
The story is told as much with music as with words. It may be a repetition of a melody that is not quite perfection. In the case of Hoffman, it is a case of lost passion. One can play a piece to near perfection, but without passion, it is dead. Mashkan forces Stephen to sing, much against his will, to help him regain his lost passion and understand himself.
That is the story. How can it be sustained for two hours? Word-wise playwright, the music of Robert Schumann, and, of greatest importance, an inspired and brilliant cast make the captivating two hours fly by.
With at least a couple of generations between them, Grossman and Zohar are a perfect contrast. The relationship moves through a scale of emotions and characterizations. Sometimes it is that of teacher and student. There is a bit of father and son. Often it is two antagonists.
Old Wicked Songs is always accompanied with music and song as each sits before the grand piano, although Zohar is often behind a music stand singing. Their developing relationship is expressed in the music and song, both of which improve with time.
The excellent cast is backed up by quality designers. Marty Burnett's set is, as usual, superb, from the classic arched windows to the decorative molding throughout the room. Matt Novotny's crisp clean lighting accent the room nicely, as well as creating the illusion of the time of day. Jemima Dutra's costumes are appropriate for the two characters.
As the relationship progresses, interest and compassion develop. Hoffman travels to places in Mashkan's past. His travels mature him or, at least, offer him a new look at himself, helping make Old Wicked Songs one of the finest character studies in theater today.
