What: Monte Cristo
Where: Theater at St. Jean's
150 E. 76th St.
New York, NY
Who: Recommended for Ages 12 and Up
When: Through September 29, 2024
The new musical, Monte Cristo, is based on Alexandre Dumas' classic novel, The Count of Monte Cristo. The story is pared down both in scope and number of characters. Although it bears more resemblance to previous stage versions, it does not completely follow any of those either.
The story is still dark at its core and inappropriate for young children. In addition to its main theme of revenge, there is false imprisonment, suggestions of suicide, and more that may also make it triggering for some adults. However, it is not nearly as dark as the novel. In the show, many of the characters have more goodness in them while it is the opposite in the book. The show also has a more satisfying moralistic ending in which good characters are rewarded and bad are punished.
Trent Saunders in the lead role of Edmund Dantes is riveting. He portrays Dantes as much more than just an angry vengeful man. There is clearly some inner softness to him and kindness in his heart for those who have not wronged him.
Other standouts are Danny Rutigliano and Anne L. Nathan in the amusing roles of Caderousse and his wife, Carconte. Here they are the comic relief. In the novel, they are much viler and mostly unlikable characters.
The musical has a great score. The songs are worth listening to again, and at least one or two may even stick in your mind. There is a good mix of rousing anthems and heartfelt ballads with a plenty of revealing and/or amusing character numbers thrown in as well.
The show is quite appealing, Even if you do not care about the novel, you may still enjoy this slightly lighter version. It is definitely worth seeing.
And that's our view. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit yorktheatre.org/on-stage/musicals-in-mufti.
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We were given complimentary tickets to The Diamond as Big as The Ritz for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.
What: The Diamond as Big As The Ritz
Where: American Theatre of Actors
314 W. 54th St.
New York, NY
Who: Recommended for Ages 14 and Up
When: September 29, 2024
The musical, The Diamond as Big as The Ritz, is based on an F. Scott Fitzgerald story of the same name. The story is very dark and involves post Civil War slavery, murder, and more. The musical takes a much lighter tone by framing the show as a story within a story. The main story revolves around a young non-Canadian couple who want to immigrate to the United States but are caught up in customs in Canada. Their story is touching, but doesn't seem believable in many ways particularly in its resolution. Plus, it only very loosely relates to Fitzgerald's story.
The show is, however, full of lovely songs most of which seem too upbeat for the story,
The highlight is the finale, Enough Already. This stirring anthem is the perfect rallying cry the world needs right now. It's too bad that theater songs don't become popular on the radio anymore.
The performances are good too. The cast gels well even though the lead performer dropped out of the show just prior to performances beginning. Nico Ochoa who stepped into the role of Yash/John at the last minute does a terrific job with the role. If it weren't for the script they carry around, you'd never know they hadn't been a part of the show from the beginning.
See this one for the performances and the songs. Just try not to think about the plot that much.
And that's our view. For more about The Diamond as Big as The Ritz or to purchase tickets, visit www.rcstaab.com/ritzmusical
Tune in Saturday for Still More Theater Saturday.
Photo credits:
All Monte Cristo production photos by Carol Rosegg
All The Diamond as Big as The Ritz production photos by Emma Dickson
Images used in this post have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and/or PR firms and are used by permission. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, contact us here, and we will look into the matter.
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