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'RED DOG HOWLS'
Town Journal (Bergen, North Jersey)
October 4, 2012
There are some shows that hold your undivided interest but may
not affect you in such a viscerally powerful way. In the harrowing,
disturbing new play "Red Dog Howls" by Alexander Dinelaris at the New
York Theater Workshop you will not only be riveted but find yourself
so emotionally drained at the conclusion that standing up to cheer
may not be possible.
Superbly directed by Ken Rus Schmoll, Dinelaris's play has to do with
the Armenian Genocide, but it could be the systematic elimination of
any group of people. We always hear about how time heals all wounds
and that loss in time can be overcome. That is a hopeful thought
but does not always come to fruition. So, when the 91-year-old Rose
(an unforgettable Kathleen Chalfant) tells her grandson Michael (an
excellent Alfredo Narciso) that she needs him to be strong you are
not quite sure where she is going. When you do find out, after her
agonizing monologue so incredibly rendered, you will indeed be drawn
to tears.
Michael is married to Gabriella (a fine Florencia Lozano), who is
pregnant and cannot seem to comprehend the confusion Michael is going
through. His father recently died and he finds a packet of letters and
sees the address of a Rose Afratian, whom he decides to visit. Rose
tells Michael she is his grandmother and in time she will reveal a
great deal to him that he will need to have strength to endure. It
all goes along quite pleasantly, but Schmoll knows how to pace the
show so that slowly you feel the anxiety and fear.
Chalfant, who is one of the best actresses on the stage, gives the
performance of her career.
The play's limited engagement ends Oct. 14 and I strongly urge you to
attend. You will not easily forget it, and although you will find it
quite upsetting, Dinelaris makes us realize that we can never forget
the unspeakable cruelties bestowed upon a race of people for no reason
other than whom they are.
Tickets are available at the New York Theater Workshop, 79 East 4th
St. or by calling 212-279-4200.
Town Journal (Bergen, North Jersey)
October 4, 2012
There are some shows that hold your undivided interest but may
not affect you in such a viscerally powerful way. In the harrowing,
disturbing new play "Red Dog Howls" by Alexander Dinelaris at the New
York Theater Workshop you will not only be riveted but find yourself
so emotionally drained at the conclusion that standing up to cheer
may not be possible.
Superbly directed by Ken Rus Schmoll, Dinelaris's play has to do with
the Armenian Genocide, but it could be the systematic elimination of
any group of people. We always hear about how time heals all wounds
and that loss in time can be overcome. That is a hopeful thought
but does not always come to fruition. So, when the 91-year-old Rose
(an unforgettable Kathleen Chalfant) tells her grandson Michael (an
excellent Alfredo Narciso) that she needs him to be strong you are
not quite sure where she is going. When you do find out, after her
agonizing monologue so incredibly rendered, you will indeed be drawn
to tears.
Michael is married to Gabriella (a fine Florencia Lozano), who is
pregnant and cannot seem to comprehend the confusion Michael is going
through. His father recently died and he finds a packet of letters and
sees the address of a Rose Afratian, whom he decides to visit. Rose
tells Michael she is his grandmother and in time she will reveal a
great deal to him that he will need to have strength to endure. It
all goes along quite pleasantly, but Schmoll knows how to pace the
show so that slowly you feel the anxiety and fear.
Chalfant, who is one of the best actresses on the stage, gives the
performance of her career.
The play's limited engagement ends Oct. 14 and I strongly urge you to
attend. You will not easily forget it, and although you will find it
quite upsetting, Dinelaris makes us realize that we can never forget
the unspeakable cruelties bestowed upon a race of people for no reason
other than whom they are.
Tickets are available at the New York Theater Workshop, 79 East 4th
St. or by calling 212-279-4200.