“The Quarrel” – a stimulating production at GableStage
Posted on 26. Apr, 2010 by Howard Salus in Entertainment, The Arts Reviews
THE QUARREL AT GABLESTAGE
PROVIDES A FIERCE BATTLE OF WITS
By Ron Levitt
ENV Magazine/Florida Media News
CORAL GABLES, FL – How can one ignore such a fierce battle of wits as is displayed at GableStage in its amazingly intelligent and sensitive production of The Quarrel? No matter how you feel about religion – whether you practice in a pious manner or live in a secular environment – this stunning, haunting play about a ferocious debate has to spark your IQ to new heights.
Long separated by war, a rabbi (splendidly acted by Avi Hoffman) and a secular writer (an emotionally charged Chaz Mena ) unexpectedly meet again – after many years on Rosh Hashanah 1948 – and ignite a battle of words and wit, testing friendship, faith and tolerance. Once inseperable childhood friends, they both had lost their families in the Holocaust but have gone in vastly different paths as they aged. These two men could not be more different; yet there is more than conflicting viewpoints that alienate them. There are personal problems, as well. “Even when you compliment me, it is a criticism,” is typical of how they interact. Their intense debate sparks more than just words – a whole new set of standards on how to live one’s life emerges from their often vitriolic discourse.
You cannot help yourself from not joining sides with one of the characters although – as you listen to their arguments – you may go from side to side. It is that stimulating!
If this sounds like an intelligent play, it is!! But, don’t be misled. It is haunting theatre with intense handling by Artistic Director Joe Adler and magnificent performances by Hoffman and Mena, aided by Mark Della Ventura as a Talmudic student.
Part of the joy of this production is, of course, following the logic of these two men as they debate. But, from a theatrical viewpoint, watching Hoffman and Mina is a special treat, well beyond their characterizations. What passionate acting they provide!
The evolution of The Quarrel into a play is a story unto itself. Originally a 1950 short story by the master Yiddish writer Chaim Grade, it was adapted for the screen in 1991 by David Brandes and Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, The film was moderately succcssful, with art theatre and Jewish audiences, prompting the co-authors to re-think it as a theatrical production. Since 1999, the play has made the rounds of the country and in 2008, it was restaged off-Broadway and proved to be a new hit, setting records during its run in Manhattan.
With a simple but adequate set by Lyle Baskin, sound technology by Mat Corey, lighting by Jeff Quinn and well-researched costumes by Ellis Tillman, this production exemplifies once again why GableStage is such an honored theatre.
The Quarrel runs through May 23. It is not to be missed. Call 305 445-1119 for tickets.
10 Responses to ““The Quarrel” – a stimulating production at GableStage”
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