| Though its balcony wasn't used, ultimately, the Belasco seemed the ideal home for Girl from the North Country. Since the show didn't need a pit, and most of the production was downstage center, the piece felt intimate, and its set looked designed to fit that jewel box of a theater. The vintage enhancing, green geometric stage floor was so strikingly complemented by the Belasco's interior, it seemed intentional (and I realize it was not). The era of the story, dark lighting, simple projections all felt framed by that proscenium. And that sound system, using both body mics and floor models for the diagetic "radio" sequences was one of the best. I loved how the acting remained natural and unforced; no one pushed, even with fist fights and tumultuous revelations of off-stage events. It's too bad the show didn't work uptown, because they found a home for its presentation that felt almost perfect. |
