I posted on bywayworld, but Wanted to share my thoughts here as well. Harvey, clear your mantle. He's been a Tony contender for Newsies & Kinky Boots In recent years, but Casa Valentina is the best work you've done in quite some time and this gem is the far and away the best new play on Broadway this season. Sure, it's a weak season, but this play resonates deep. There could not be a better ensemble gathered than what is onstage at the Friedman right now. Patrick Page, Mare Winningham & REED BIRNEY give the most fully realized performances and I expect nominations all around for all 3 of them, but it's Reed Birney who fully envelops and loses himself into the world at CASA VALENTINA. I smell a featured actor Tony for this truly indelible performance. Every single character has been given a through line, and a purpose and each ensemble member embraces their difficult tasks, what these men are doing and the story they've been asked to tell, isn't easy. Some people will be shocked that this world even exists. It's not Za Za or Lola that Harvey has written, but a unique world in the 1950s that in this fascinating. He's had a long career, but as Greenberg was to Take Me Out or McNally was to Love! Valour! Compassion! Fierstein is to Casa Valentina. It just feels like that kind of an evening in the theatre. Credit must also be given to Joe Mantello for a staging that has touches of sincereity and clarity in n exquisite physical production.
It ran 2 and a half hours tonight exactly. I could maybe see 5-10 minutes being shaved, but it's truly worth the price of admission...and it's the only time I've felt that for a straight play this season. Velocity Of Autumn is the last play I will be seeing this weekend for the current season, but CASA is the play that left me most satisfied so far. 4.5 stars out of 5. Bravo!
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