Quick Hit Theater Review: The Morini Strad

Michael Laurence and Mary Beth Peil. Photo: James Leynse

The Morini Strad
By Willy Holtzman
Directed by Casey Childs
Original Music and Sound Design: Lindsay Jones
Starring Michael Laurence, Mary Beth Peil and Hanah Stuart
Set Design: Neil Patel; Costume Design David C. Woolard
Presented by Primary Stages at 59E59 Theaters

Summary:
Former violin virtuoso Erica (Mary Beth Peil) hires Brian (Michael Laurence) to restore, then offer for sale, her most precious possession: the famed Karl Davydov Stradivarius. An unexpected friendship develops between the difficult, highly bred and Vienna-born artist and the laid back American man torn between a desire to create new violins (sort of his own version of the Strads) and his responsibility to his wife and children to earn a paycheck doing repair work instead. He seamlessly repairs a scratch on the 1727 instrument and Erica asks his to be her agent in its sale. A chance to earn a commission on the Strad, valued at $3.5 million, might just be the break Brian needs, but Erica becomes less willing to part with the beloved instrument that has been such a big part of her life. As she remembers her first concert at Carnegie Hall, or other highlights from her career, the memory comes to life as Hanah Stuart is spotlighted in a faded period costume while playing the violin. Based somewhat on real-life incidents in the life of Erica Morini.

Hanah Stuart .  © 2012 James Leynse

Highlights:
Peil and Laurence give it their all to infuse the characters with layers and chemistry. The live violin, particularly the first memory depicted, where the technique is at its most effective, adds to the mood. A play with such emphasis on music would seem dead without the live instrument.

Lowlights:
The play is uneven with some implausibilities. Brian is a technician for priceless violins, recognizes the Davidov by sight, but never heard of Erica before? He really works on these instruments in a room in his home where kids and dogs could get to them? What Brian thinks he will be able to purchase with his commission is completely unrealistic (the items he lists would probably require the full amount of the Strad's purchase price). And what's up with all the marmalade he keeps bringing her? A plot that doesn't develop keeps us asking questions like this. I am not an expert, just a lover of the sound a Strad makes, but the violin here, though skillfully played, doesn't sound like a Strad.
Other information:
Stuart, born in the USA in 1987, began studying the violin at age five. She graduated from The Juilliard School with her Masters in May 2011 under David Chan. She was a featured artist soloing with the 2011 Music Academy of the West Festival Orchestra this past season under Meastro Nicholas McGegan. She also has been featured in Masterclasses internationally including gala performances at the 2010 Keshet Eilon Mastercourse and the 2009 Kronberg Academy Masterclass, playing for Christian Tetzlaff and Gidon Kremer. She made her Chicago Symphony Center debut at age 16 and has since been an international performer.

The Morini Strad plays a limited engagement through April 28 at Primary Stages at 59E59 Theaters, 59 East 59th St., NYC. Single tickets are $65 and may be purchased in person, by calling 212-279-4200 or online at www.primarystages.org.

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