Quick Hit Off-Broadway Theater Review: The Landing

Julia Murney, David Hyde Pierce and Frankie Seratch. Photo: Carol Rosegg

The Landing
Music by John Kander
Book and Lyrics by Greg Pierce
Choreography by Josh Rhodes
Directed by Walter Bobbie
The Vineyard Theatre

What's It All About?
John Kander's first full new theatre collaboration with another writer since the passing of Fred Ebb. (Kander and Ebb gave us Scottsboro Boys, Chicago, Cabaret and many others). The Landing is three separate stories of desire, love and loss starring David Hyde Pierce, Julia Murney, Paul Anthony Stewart and Frankie Seratch. David Loud is musical director and orchestrations are by Larry Hochman.

The first story, Andra, has Pierce as a narrator with Stewart as Ben, a carpenter working on cabinets in the home of a woman (Murney) whose husband neglects her and her son, Noah (Seratch), while he works. Ben,'s love of stars and constellations, along with an understanding of lonely kids (his daughter is shy because of a disfigurement) appeal to Noah and the two form a friendship. The second story , The Brick, has Pierce playing a brick from the wall bloodied in the Valentine's Day Massacre, which seduces a boy's aunt, who is bored with her husband. The third tale, The Landing, has Pierce and Stewart as a gay couple adopting a son who comes with a odd background -- and perhaps a sinister purpose.

What are the Highlights?

Pierce on stage is always a treat.Bobbie lends nice touches to enhance the stories.

What Are the Lowlights?

All three stories are a little strange and end up being rather depressing. Is there music, yes. Do I remember it? No. There are strains of the Kander sound, but no tunes that stand out.

Information:

The show has been extended and will conclude with a special VIP benefit reception for patrons following the final performance Sunday, Nov. 24 at 3 pm. The Vineyard is at 108 E. 15 St., NYC. http://www.vineyardtheatre.org/the-landing/.

Christians might like to know:

-- God's name taken in vain

-- Homosexual activity