Quick Hit Off-Broadway Theater Review: Lazarus (Updated)

Michael C. Hall. Photo: Jan Versweyveld

Lazarus
By David Bowie and Enda Walsh
Directed by Ivo van Hove
Inspired by the novel The Man Who Fell to Earth by Walter Tevis

By Lauren Yarger

If you haven't already seen this Off-Broadway show, which has taken on new meaning since the unexpected death of David Bowie last week, you have a few more chances. It has been extended a final time with performances tonight ,Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 8 pm and Wednesday Jan. 20 , all at 8 pm.

That final performance on Wednesday will benefit New York Theatre Workshop's artistic development and education programming. Tickets are $1,000 (includes one ticket to the final performance plus a VIP invitation for two to NYTW’s upcoming production of Red Speedo) and $2,500 (includes one ticket to the final performance plus access to an after-party celebrating the run and a VIP invitation for two to NYTW’s upcoming productions of Red Speedo and Hadestown).  All tickets to the benefit performance include a tax-deductible contribution.

The show features songs specially composed for it by Bowie as well as new arrangements of previously recorded songs. I found the show. loosly about an alien who finds himself trapped on earth (where he has been enjoying himself), edgy, interesting and thought-provoking, if a little hard to follow.  -

It's directed by Ivo van Hove (who also directs Broadway's cutting edge View from the Bridge and The Crucible. Six-time Emmy nominee Michael C. Hall (Hedwig and the Angry Inch, “Dexter”) stars as Thomas Newton, the alien who falls to earth.

There is a lot of metaphor in there and thoughts and lyrics about death and dying, which makes the show so haunting in the face of its composer's death.

Cristin Milioti (Once) is Elly,and Michael Esper (The Last Ship) is Valentine. Completing the ensemble are Krystina Alabado, Sophia Anne Caruso, Nicholas Christopher, Lynn Craig, Bobby Moreno, Krista Pioppi, Charlie Pollock and Brynn Williams.

The production features scenic and lighting design by Jan Versweyveld; costume design by An D'Huys; video design by Tal Yarden; sound design by Brian Ronan; choreography by Annie-B Parson; music direction by Henry Hey.

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