Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune

Reviews

• “Frankie and Johnny,” true to its conflicted, complicated spirit — both earthy and at times even vulgar, but infused at its rich core with a poetic spirit of unearthly yearning and belief — ends on a note that beautifully blends the two moods. As they sit listening to that encore of the Debussy, Frankie and Johnny are also brushing their teeth. As performed in this deeply affecting revival, it’s hard to say which act, the rapt listening or the dogged brushing, touches more profoundly on the essence of their romance.

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• And yet, the brilliant actors make it work. McDonald superbly conveys her character's cynicism through world-weary body language and vocal inflections. And Shannon unveils his formidable, and too rarely seen, comic talents to hilarious effect; his Johnny is the funniest I've ever seen. If the resulting laughfest slightly dilutes the play's poignancy, McNally's writing is strong enough to provide the requisite emotion. Their superb work proves that Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune offers both timeless themes and eternal catnip to talented performers.

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• For more than two hours, these highly gifted actors—directed by Arin Arbus, and beautifully lit by Natasha Katz—keep a sensitive focus on the gawky humanity of their characters, holding steady through the ups and downs of Terrence McNally’s emotional ride. They connect, and they draw us in. 

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• “Frankie and Johnny,” true to its conflicted, complicated spirit — both earthy and at times even vulgar, but infused at its rich core with a poetic spirit of unearthly yearning and belief — ends on a note that beautifully blends the two moods. As they sit listening to that encore of the Debussy, Frankie and Johnny are also brushing their teeth. As performed in this deeply affecting revival, it’s hard to say which act, the rapt listening or the dogged brushing, touches more profoundly on the essence of their romance.

  Read More