#nathanthewise

Nathan The Wise, sketch–April 28, 2016

If you’re desperate for a thought provoking fine slice of theater this weekend, I suggest you head on over to the Classic Stage Company but be quick about it because it sadly comes to an end on May 1st.

In Nathan The Wise, it’s title character is put to the test when the Sultan demands he answer which religion is favored by God–that of Muslim, Christians or Jews. The question is posed at the end of the first act and we are left to wait and see how Nathan responds and if his answer will satisfy the Sultan and keep the peace within its diverse community.

Nathan The Wise presents itself as a story of religious tolerance but at its core it is about personal acceptance and family. Its success lies with likable characters despite their flaws and dialog wonderfully peppered with warmth and humor.

F. Murray Abraham does not disappoint and is brilliantly engaging as Nathan. He captivates you as a storyteller and the chosen savior. Al-Hafi, Nathan’s best friend, played by George Abud, elicited many laughs thanks to perfect comedic facial expressions and body language. Austin Durant as Saladin is extremely endearing as the Sultan, despite leaving you cowering when he raises his powerful voice. I loved the beautiful Sittah, Saladin’s sister who is played with grace by Shiva Kalaiselvan. Without ever disrespecting her brother, Sittah let it be known that she is the brains behind this operation. Stark Sands delivers a strong performance as the reluctant hero Templar who at the surface appears the most condemnatory but later reveals himself to be the most vulnerable. Caroline Laggerfelt expertly plays diverse dual roles with ease; Nathan’s loose lipped wife Daya and the evil Patriach. Erin Neufer plays Nathan’s dutiful daughter Rachel who’s inner strength wins out over whimsy and John Christopher Jones is Brother, who holds the key to the biggest secret of all.

“Ladybugging”, February 23, 2016 11x14 Vellum, 2B pencil, acrylic, marker

Welcome back to the New York stage Stark Sands!

Nathan The Wise will begin performances on March 23.

Jerusalem, 1192. Muslims, Christians and Jews live side by side thanks to a fragile truce that could collapse at any moment. As the tension mounts a question arises from the ruling Sultan: “which religion is the one most beloved by God?” Nathan, a pious Jewish merchant, is charged with answering this question to help secure the continued safety of his people. Next to Shylock, Nathan the Wise is perhaps the greatest Jewish character in all of Western dramatic literature. Academy Award-winning actor F. Murray Abraham returns to CSC after his critically-acclaimed portrayal of Galileo, adding Nathan to his illustrious gallery of revelatory portrayals. Source: classic stage.org