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Coram Boy Reviews
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One of My Favorite Plays of 2007: Coram Boy Review by: Beth M, Nov 14, 2007 |
CORAM BOY: Meshak And The Angel
by Beth Mandelbaum
The first time I ever saw an ad for Coram Boy, I was very drawn to its imagery, even though I knew nothing about the play. The emotional and spiritual power of the imagery had an intense glow. It felt as though I was looking at an extraordinary Baroque painting with its deep contrast of darks and lights on the face, and arms of this young man, who seems possessed as ... read more he cries out to the caring, maternal and ever watchful guardian angel, juxtaposed behind him. The dark background allows one to focus on the two figures, both of whom, to me, exude the Divine.
I saw Coram Boy on a Wednesday matinee and then again the following Sunday for the final performance. I was amazed at how much I missed the first time. On Wednesday, I stared at the playbill cover after the show. One of the questions that fascinated me was, “Who is the Coram Boy?”
My initial thoughts were that, because the residents of the Coram Hospital would most likely be considered as “Coram Boys,” and that the boy crying out to the angel could be the young Alexander Ashbrook, as this figure seems to me in a state of complete surrender and transcendence, an image of a boy overcome by passions, with a sense of the Divine.
This made me wonder if this could perhaps be an image of the young Alexander, with his love Melissa right behind him, or the young Aaron (with his mother Melissa, right behind him), surrendering completely to their “angel of music” as music was the essence of his life force of both young men. And since Aaron had been, literally, a Coram Boy, I felt that this must be the identity of the young man of this magnificent and compelling logo.
But then I began to wonder if the young man here wasn’t Meshak, who, to me is the “hero” of this play, who struggles to be a force for healing and for good, while doing that the most hideous and heinous acts because he seemingly has no choice, as the son of a man (Otis Gardiner) who is an unrelenting force for evil: that of burying children, both dead and alive. Meshak is crying out to his angel for help, mercy, compassion and love.
When I saw the play for the second time, I became aware of how Meshak of throws his arms around his father, who continually rejects him. My interpretation is that perhaps he goes through doing these terrible acts to gain his father’s love and approval, which he is consistently unable to get.
Unlike his father, Meshak, although considered dim witted, has a conscience, and so struggles intensely with his lot in life. This struggle is amazingly displayed through the physical and psychological. Meshak generally falls to the ground, apparently writhing in pain, holding his head in his hands, and sometimes collapses. After doing these unconscionable acts, he cries of to his angel for help many times, and she generally appears, both as a “stone angel” in a cathedral and also in the form of Melissa, Alexander’s love, whom Meshak often believes is his angel, (cleverly, both are played by the same woman).
During my second visit to “Coram Boy” I found myself compelled to take notes of some of the dialogue and events. I am extremely fascinated by the encounters of Meshak and the angel. At the play’s beginning, Meshak is in the cathedral at Gloucester where the young Alexander is studying music. Meshak says, “Angel, I’m coming” and touches what appears to be an angel is stone. The he says, ‘Take me to your gate.” Then he reaches up with his arms, and at that moment, I saw the image of the logo, affirming for me that the young man on the poster and playbill cover was indeed Meshak.
Meshak would appear to be calling upon his angel to take him to the gates of Heaven, as the hideous work that he is forced to do by his father has destroyed him completely, and he is crying out for death.
After burying the child that was still alive he rolls onto the ground and takes a |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
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Recommended for:
Seniors, Adults
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Run to see Coram Boy Review by: Geocove2, May 20, 2007 |
| It was a privilage to have seen this amazing Broadway experience . Unfortunatly many Broadway shows are nothing more than extentions of TV / Movie mind sets . This show clearly was created with love , imagination and originality . Last nights audiance was enthusiastic in adoring this once in a lifetime experience that brought back memories of Nicholas Nickelby . Please take a chance and go . I know word of mouth will save this treasure . ( I ... read more have no connection to this show or the Theater Industry ) . |
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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:
Romantic Date, Adults, Anyone
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| 3 |
The most astounding tour de force of the season. Not to be missed! Review by: arepo, May 18, 2007 |
At the intermission I was musing as to whether I hated this show or absolutely was blown away by it.
The first act ends so very brutally that it gave me pause.
But by the end of the show I found myself a "Coram Boy" convert.
I was not alone.
How many times do you sit in an audience at the end, and not applaud for a few seconds, catching your breath, tears streaming down your eyes, and finally, hearing the audience ... read more enthusiastically begin to applaud, realize you have just witnessed a tour de force of theater?
This is not an easy theater-going experience and I worry that too many will stay away because of some rather raw scenes. But it is too good to miss. Theater like this doesn't come along often.
It is all done on a grand scale with the beauty of Handelian music filling the theater and glorious chorale singing.
This show should not be missed! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
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Recommended for:
Seniors, Tourists, Adults
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| 4 |
Dark and Depressing Review by: Darin, May 18, 2007 |
Coram boy is a very different theatre experience. I did not know what the show was about and I attended it by myself.
It is a dark and depressing story. The bits of humor are necessary to keep you from wanting to get out of your seat and pummel " OTIS " .
It is very well written. The parts of the young boys are portrayed by female actors. I do think that with all the talent ( even though the young boys had to have high singing voices ) ... read more they should cast young boys not females in their early 20's. It would have been much more realistic.
I would use good judgement when deciding to see this production. There is an enormous amount of scheeching and running on stage.
This play can make you cry.
I did love the choir singing at the end .
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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I saw this show with:
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Recommended for:
Seniors, Adults
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| 5 |
Not for everyone Review by: Kyu, May 17, 2007 |
I can't see this show staying on Broadway much longer. The place was empty when I went.
There's minimal music. I had initially thought that this was a musical because I read how Handel's music was incorporated into the show. Boy was I wrong. The few times there is music, it's with one boy singing and it is not meant to impress.
It's too dark. I think this show will fail because it's too dark. People are not here to be ... read more depressed or scared. They go to Broadway to be entertained. The first act is almost unwatchable. The second act picks up, but by then the show has already lost its audience.
The choir does not add anything to the show. They hum for about 10 seconds after every act. That's it.
I would only recommend this for people who are really serious about theatre. It's interesting and at times entertaining, but this really belongs off-broadway for true fans of theatre.
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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I saw this show with:
Family
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Recommended for:
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| 6 |
LOVE IT! Review by: Ezequiel, May 7, 2007 |
This is an amazing piece of theater!
I absolutely LOVED it! It is AMAZING!
The story is great, acting is exceptional and scenery is wonderful!
Recommended for Adults and Theater lovers! |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
Business Associate
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Recommended for:
Adults
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| 7 |
The show of the year Review by: Sally, May 4, 2007 |
| I loved this show - 3 hours went by real quick. Worth seeing - a real Broadway .. Acting was fabulous! Don't miss it. |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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Recommended for:
Tourists, Adults
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| 8 |
Review by: gclose, May 3, 2007 |
| Amazing piece of theatre....wonderful production values and great performances. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Business Associate
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Recommended for:
Tourists, Adults
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| 9 |
Inspired theatrical magic Review by: comatunes, May 3, 2007 |
| This show is dazzling, but is apt to be underappreciated by audiences used to Disney-style costume extravangazas and add-water-and-stir remakes of mass-appeal B-movies. The subject matter is dark, sometimes disturbing, but it is bursting with weighty and controversial themes, from racism to classism to premarital sex to infanticide, and the intricate interplay of the stories is artful. It asks a lot of its audience, demanding ... read more an alert ear and eye. But it also delivers in a big way if you give it the respect it deserves. It also features some of the most jaw-droppingly inspired stagecraft as well as glorious, pitch-perfect excerpts of Handel's Messiah sung by the mult-talented cast. Honestly, this is one of the most exciting plays I have seen in a decade, and I make it a point to see everything in New York. To those who may assign self-serving motives to my review, let me add that I have no connection to this production or to anyone affiliated with it -- I am just an audience member. If you want a theatre experience on a par with Angels in America, or the original Sweeney Todd, or Nicholas Nickleby, this is the play for you. |
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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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| 10 |
Review by: Kathy, May 3, 2007 |
| Disappointment was the feeling my sisters and I generally felt as we fled the theater after seeing The Coram Boys. I guess the most disappointing aspect of this show was the harsh screeching sounds. Although the sounds supported the misery of the characters, it was a jolting experience to be endured. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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| 11 |
Outstanding Review by: K Beeway, May 3, 2007 |
I couldn’t tell whether to be shocked or surprised during the first act. I didn’t know if was drama, melodrama, or comedy. A little hard to follow some of the dark nuance of Misk, the mentally challenged son of the main villain, Otis Gardiner. It was easy to follow the overt acts of this pair however, and shocking if you’re not prepared for it.
That said, at intermission I thought the biggest challenge was to keep people in their ... read more seats for the second act.
I’m glad I stayed. It comes together rapidly in the second act.
The second act is not shocking with nuance, but uplifting and joyeous. Indeed the musical backdrop and ending rendition of the Messiah (and Handel is one of the characters). Staging was excellent. Plenty of artistic touches to keep you happy. Intricate plot that requires your attention. Outstanding effects.
Many of the characters are young boys and girls and the actors playing them are almost all female. The all have excellent voices, and, together with a very professional chorus, provide excellent, albeit 18th century, music. Dickensian in many ways, this is the most unique Broadway experience I have ever had.
I know a lot of people didn’t like it, but I believe this has the potential to run for years.
Indeed, the audience literally jumped out of their chairs during the final scene, a choral rendition of the Messiah.
Absolutely outstanding! Wow! Must see!
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My recommendation:
must see!
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| Acting: |
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Business Assoc., Seniors, Tourists
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| 12 |
Something different - something great Review by: Ben, May 3, 2007 |
Highly recommended to go and see. It's not for everyone as it's not a 'fluff' piece like a Lion King. Very dramatic and very strong story - completely different then anything i've ever seen on Broadway.
To give some color:
I thought first 10-15 min were a little confusing, but the momentum really started picking up in the first act and the second half is tremendous (do NOT leave after the first)
I was with 6 other people (4 women, ... read more 2 guys) - two of the women cried during one scene at the end (as I said, powerful piece with powerful acting)
One girl, who didn't understand much (doesn't speak much english), actually went back a second time because she enjoyed the music (choir is excellent) and artistry of the play so much.
I think this play isn't for everyone.... That being said, I think everyone should give it a try; it's a strong, intellectual piece, not just some more mindless singing/dancing/entertainment. I can understand why it did so well in London and I hope it does as well here because I look forward to going to see it again a couple times.
A little extra:
Most people are recommending this just for adults. I agree it's a 'weighty' play, but think it would be just fine for children (those with attention spans anyway). Dostoyevsky wrote that we shouldn't hide anything from children - that they're much smarter and perceptive, much earlier than we would ever think. Anyway......
One kudos also to the guy who played Mishak (I think Brad Fleischer?); tough role and I thought he did a great job with his physical presence during scenes. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Recommended for:
The Entire Family, Business Assoc., Tourists
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| 13 |
Dark and Deep Review by: Funky BWay, May 1, 2007 |
| This play was difficult to enjoy due to the subject matter. That said,it still held my interest throughout.The scene changes were minimal but effective. The costumes were basic ,and other than the Handel music,there is no memorable tune to remember. If you are looking for something deep ,dark and different...this is the one for you. For something light and fluffy, pass on this one! |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Adults
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| 14 |
Really...wow! Review by: purrminator, May 1, 2007 |
| Wow...thrashing about, running, shrieking, wrestling, twitching, doll-heads on sticks with dishrag bodies, a saran wrap curtain with girls in bonnets hitting it to signify drowning in the ocean...is this arty English fare or a junior high school production? Did the people putting the show together look at it from the audience's point of view? At least the singing and music wasn't all bad. It seems like a tragedy...that anyone paid to see this! |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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| 15 |
See something else Review by: , May 1, 2007 |
| I saw Coram Boy last night and if I could have left at intermission I would have. Dark, depressing, screechy...infanticide, rape, child abuse...not for any young person! Maybe I just didn't get it but save your money! |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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I saw this show with:
Business Associate
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Recommended for:
Adults
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| * Review is an opinion of a BroadwayBox user and not that of BroadwayBox.com and BroadwayBox, Inc. |
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