Off-Broadway – Shows I've Seen

@showsiveseen @Manhattan Theatre Club's "Vladimir" #play at @New York City Center starring Francesca Faridany, Norbert Leo Butz, & David Rosenberg. For a play named after Putin, I was surprised how little it was personally about him! Clever accent switching acting method. Closes 11/10/24! Review: showsiveseen.com/10040 Photos: Jeremy Daniel Director: Daniel Sullivan Stage Management: Shanna Allison & James FitzSimmons #russia #press #journalism #russian #theatre #showsiveseen #Vladimir ♬ delulu – NESYA

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Manhattan Theatre Club’s Vladimir play at New York City Center starring Francesca Faridany, Norbert Leo Butz, & David Rosenberg. For a play named after Putin, I was surprised how little it was personally about him! Clever accent switching acting method. #russia #press #journalism #russian

Recommendation:
See it if you’re interested in modern Russian history.

My Synopsis (No Spoilers): Two journalists navigate the challenges of conspiracy and repression in Putin’s Russia. It’s a cautionary tale about societal complacency and maintaining the status quo. If you can’t lick ’em, join ’em?

Synopsis from the Licensor or Theatre Company: This haunting world premiere unfolds in Moscow, where an independent journalist covering Putin’s first term struggles to maintain sanity and hope in increasingly hostile circumstances. She finds herself on the brink of an explosive story — but as danger mounts for her and her sources, she questions whether her bravery will make any difference at all. Written by Erika Sheffer, Vladimir is about standing up to immorality no matter the cost, when you know your nation is headed for disaster. Directed by Tony Award winner Daniel Sullivan.

Attended Performance Date: 10/26/24 – If you’re interested in this show, buy your tickets now since it closes 11/10/24!

Type: Play

World Premiere: Yes

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Static (Stationary) Set? Yes

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: You should know some general post-USSR Russian history from the past 30 years.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Union Actors: 7

Total Actors: 7

Perceived Pace of the Show: Slow to medium

Was there an intermission? Yes

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.25 hours

Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show? Yes

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? No

Mainstream Appeal: Low to medium

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned Above

Accent Switching: The actors portraying Russian characters cleverly spoke American-accented English to convey that they were talking in Russian, and they also spoke Russian-accented English to convey that they were talking in English. I overheard fellow audience members enthusiastically praising this novel acting technique. It reminded me of the play English.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

Energy: The entire production exuded a harsh subdued austere energy through the acting, scenic design, and lighting. It was a quietly intense show … matched by an audience that barely clapped! Lighting designer Japhy Weideman created a visually dark “cloak and dagger” atmosphere, except for the spotlights illuminating the actors and the scene’s key props. The black abundance in the photos below clearly show this effect. The lighting was sometimes strikingly severe, for example against the startlingly white wedding dress costume. Additionally, the Mark Wendland’s scenic design was utilitarian, contributing to an overall energy that felt distinctly Russian.
Putin: It’s interesting that the play was titled “Vladimir,” yet the script seldom mentions Putin. Perhaps this is beneficial though. I believe there is no such thing as bad publicity. Any negative or positive press coverage on an individual amplifies their influence and power. Even former President Trump’s considerable popularity is partially attributed to his negative press coverage. The fact that the play barely mentions Putin and espouses personal integrity shines light on the complicit Putin enablers (and Trump-supporting Republicans?) who look the other way for their own survival, benefit, or power.
Parallels: The descriptions of the historical Russia-Chechnya conflicts curiously mirrored what we’re hearing today in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Theatre Company: Manhattan Theatre Club

Venue: New York City Center – Stage I

Venue Physical Address: 131 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019

Venue Classification: Off-Broadway

Price Range: $79-119

Ticket Affordability Options: See the show’s website for information on rush tickets, student tickets, and “$30 Under 35” tickets.

Dates: September 24 – November 10, 2024

Seating: Assigned Seating

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Pictures: See pictures below by Jeremy Daniel.

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures below.