James Joyce wrote his short story The Dead as the last chapter in his book The Dubliners. In his story Joyce wanted to sum up the history of Ireland, but in particular the spiritual stagnation of the people in Dublin. Some see the story as presenting his reasons for leaving Ireland. Whatever the reasons his feelings were very mixed. On the one hand he respected the traditions and quaintness of the old Ireland but he also knew that most of it was in the past. The plot involves a rather self absorbed man (Gabriel) who recalls the annual Christmas party held at the house of his aunts where there were three generations of his family present. His mood alternates between nostalgic and contempt. In the story his Aunt dies and his own illusion is shattered when he discovers that many years ago his precious wife loved another man, who is now dead but for whom she still weeps.
This wonderful poetic story was later turned into an equally wonderful musical with music by Shaun Davey book by Richard Nelson with lyrics conceived and adapted by Nelson and Davey The show contains 15 songs which sound like old Irish songs but are really newly minted though the lyrics are often borrowed, It is a tribute to Davey that he fools you into thinking the music is authentic. It is a natural marriage, dare I say made in Heaven, between Joyce and music. The story works very well as a musical and the Open Fist Theatre is giving the musical a terrific revival.
The extremely talented Rob Nagle plays Gabriel with wit, intelligence, and a depth of feeling. His character reminds us that just like snow on a lake can look beautiful on the surface, underneath it has unimagined depths. Symbolically the depths include everything from joy, music, drinking, infidelity, stagnation, death of spirit, and immense love. Nagle does a masterful job of keeping us from being lulled by the music and poetry while at the same time showing us its beauty.
The rest of the cast is also very good with a lovely cameo by Jackie Lynn Colton as the shy retiring aunt Julia. She manages to be sweet, funny and pathetic all at the same time. I was also quite taken with Michael Franco as the drunken but lively Freddie Mallins, and Jake Wesley Stewart (who was so good in CityKid) as the young Michael. He sings and dances well. The same can’t be said of the rest of the cast and someone wanting great voices as in the Broadway production, will be disappointed. But this is a production up close and the not so perfect singing adds poignancy to the proceedings, the same feeling one might get at their own family Christmas party as the relatives start to sing carols.
The production is very well directed by the award -winning director Charles Otte. He keeps the party real at all times but focuses the action where it needs to be focused. He plays the violin in superb band consisting of a violinist (Otte), a cellist (Jennifer Richardson, a guitarist (Amy Tzagournis) and pianist (Musical Director Dean Mora. TheDead has been extended through April 12 at The Open Fist Theatre in Hollywood. See this one for an evening that will transport you.