Apologies for tardiness, but for the NYC-bred and NYC-bound, check out Professor Clifford Chase’s 2006 novel Winkie, brought to life by the Drama Desk Award-winning Godlight Theatre Company (adapted by Matt Pelfrey and directed by Joe Tantalo) at the 59E59 Theaters:
Cute synopsis from the card handed out:
When a mild mannered teddy bear finds himself on the wrong side of America’s War on Terror, he becomes trapped inside the jaws of a society rabid with fear and paranoia. Is Winkie the evil mastermind behind dozens of terrorist attacks? Or is he an innocent scapegoat for zealots on both sides of the terror wars? An emotionally gripping and intellectually compelling exploration of the absurdities of our post-9/11 age.
I haven’t read the novel, but from what Syed tells me, the play is a watered-down version of the book, and Professor Chase himself told us he hasn’t had much of a role in the production besides working on the script. The stage feels incredibly intimate, seating about 50-70 around the actors, which adds to the dynamism of the show, though it felt as though it could have ended earlier. I am also convinced Woody Harrelson sat a few seats away from me. Other (read: more substantial) reviews after the jump.
- Date: March 5 – April 10
- Time: Tues-Wed 7:30, Thurs-Fri 8:30, Sat 2:30 & 8:30, Sun 3:30 (90 mins. with no intermission)
- Place: 59 East 59th Street (Between Park and Maddy Ave.)
- Price: General admission $25, BUT show up an hour beforehand (call to make sure it’s not sold out) and score Student Rush tickets for a sick $10.
Reviews
That’s awesome. He is such a G.