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Literrally and figuratively dark and depressing. Operatta fans will enjoy. Review by: LD, Jun 16, 2008 |
Dark, dark, dark. Literally and figuratively. Depressing story with precious little humor. Wonderfully performed and staged but a bit hard to take. Our main character is a helpless soul who faces the death penalty for murdering his boss after he losses his job. Sound like fun yet?
The staging is so dark that often there is barely enough light to see the main characters. The lighting is deliberate- it adds to the feeling of the play. ... read more
This is an opera. There are almost no spoken lines. You will need to pay attention. |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Seniors, Adults
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| 2 |
Adding Machine Review by: Tom, Apr 28, 2008 |
Although the music in the new operetta at the Minetta Lane, "Adding Machine" sounds nothing like what Van Morrison would write, a line from one of his songs comes to mind: "Precious time is slipping away -- you know you're only king for a day. Doesn't matter to which god you pray -- precious time is slipping away."
For Mr. Zero, the beaten-down anti-hero of this brilliant new work from composer Joshua Schmidt (with lyrical assistance ... read more from Jason Loewith), his precious time has already run out. He just doesn't know it yet.
Zero hates women. At least his shrill wife, Mrs. Zero. He does seem to have a soft spot for Daisy, the younger woman who assists him at work. Daisy and Zero are a team of calculators: she reads the figures from sales slips, he writes them down and adds them up in his ledger book with a fountain pen. But who needs human calculators when the brand new adding machine (the work is based on a 1923 play by Elmer Rice) is there to do the work faster, more accurately and at a far lower cost?
The story is highly melodramatic, but told in a highly expressionistic style. I don't want to give away much about the story itself, because I hope you'll have the chance to see it yourself. Though I'm not generally a giant fan of recitative, or the talk-singing that often links songs within an opera or operetta, this production seems to have found a way to make the recitative both more musical and more dramatic. Then, when a more conventional tune pops up, like the delightful, romantic "I'd Rather Watch You," it seems to glisten even brighter.
I loved almost everything about "Adding Machine." Every scene, every sequence seems to have its own visual signature, its own way of building the story from the inside out. The lighting (kudos to lighting designer Keith Parham) is bold, elegant and edgy, the sets (Takeshi Kata) are simple but effective, and the video projections (Peter Flaherty) add dimension to scenes without calling attention to themselves.
The performers are top-rank, with big voices and a sure presence on stage. All are terrific, but Amy Warren (as Daisy) deserves special mention for treating us to her big, sweet voice. When she opens her mouth, you know she truly feels what she's singing.
Director David Cromer also deserves praise for his powerful and efficient storytelling. The opening scene, with Mr. and Mrs. Zero in bed -- with the set designed in such a way that we in the audience feel we are looking down at them from above -- quickly establishes the claustrophobia and limited options in Mr. Zero's life. Then we are immediately thrown into Zero's work life, with a brilliant, rhythmic fugue of boredom as three calculating teams call out the numbers that fill their days, AND the dreams that fill their minds.
"Adding Machine" never lets you really get comfortable. There is always some new way of expressing an emotion or calling attention to lost opportunities. Yet it's an entirely pleasurable evening. I found myself smiling over and over at the cleverness of a lyric, or the way attention was called to a character's emotional state, or how a tune with swell on a completely unexpected, as it did on "and then came the leg of lamb!" The story -- like most operatic works -- is a tragic one. I don't think I'll spoil the show for you by saying that Mr. Zero does not end up in a happier place. But you will, if you make your way to the Minetta Lane Theatre for "Adding Machine."
by Tom Bestor |
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WAITING FOR GODOT, the musical. Review by: RichardA, Apr 22, 2008 |
Once again, I depart from the trends found among other theater goers and critics: think twice before you go to this rambling opera of a show that I believe was more style than substance. While it's easy to imgaine that this story was profound in the 1920's when it was first written, and may have appeared avante garde in the 1960s when I'm told it was made into a movie, it now seems didactic and obvious, despite palpable talent on stage,... read more, and occasionally inspired staging. But if there was a single thread of storyline or moment of climax, I missed it. The play starts off in one direction and take a few hairpin turns, only to end up at a destination that no one sought or cares much about. What is intriguing at the beginning loses focus and is over simplified by the end. Great acting, mediocre vehicle. What next: WAITING FOR GODOT, the musical?
Richard |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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Recommended for:
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The most amazing experience I've had in a theater in years! Review by: GothProf, Mar 10, 2008 |
| This is 100% the best musical I have seen in ages! Totally unique, amazing performers and the content?! We discussed this musical for the entire 2 1/2 hour ride home, poured some wine, and we kept talking about it--- next morning, we made coffee, and kept discussing it- by lunch time, we had purchased more tickets and this time, we're bringing friends-!!!! Thanks to the writers, producers, and an amazing cast---!!!!! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Business Assoc., Seniors
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sorry. that should be A Dark Modern "Chamber" Opera that is spectacular! Review by: bubsy, Mar 10, 2008 |
| In my review of "Adding Machine" I called it a Modern Baroque Opera. I should have called it a Modern "Chamber" opera. Sorry about that. |
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A Dark Modern Baroque Opera that is spectacular! Review by: bubsy, Mar 9, 2008 |
Adding Machine is a truly unique experience. It is better classified as a Baroque Opera than a musical. The orchestra consists of a piano, a synthesizer and percussion. The story is set in the 1920's when an accountant, anticipating a promotion after 25 years on the job, is, instead, let go due to the introduction of the adding machine. The accountant (Mr Zero's) life and actions after his being let go, plays out the remainder of the ... read more show.
This is a "dark" show. The music is truly exceptional. For those who know opera, I've read comaparison's to the classical composer's Alban Berg's Wozzeck.
If you're night out at a theater includes dancing and showstopping numbers, then pass on this one. But if you are open minded and might want to experience a work of a composer who may very well become recognized as a master of our time, then give Adding Machine a chance. BTW. at the time I wrote this review, discount tickets are available. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Adults
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