REVIEW: "A View From the Bridge" in New York City

Performance: Tuesday, March 16th @ 7:00pm

Location: Cort Theatre, New York, NY

A burnt orange/brown, depending on the lighting, Brooklyn city street began to tell the story before it even began. The simulated moonlight meant a sliver of a reflection of the Brooklyn bridge could be seen against the side of the building. It has been 17 years since I found myself in New York City, on Broadway and I was prepared to allow the cast of A View From the Bridge to take me wherever they wanted to.

While very familiar with many of Arthur Miller's plays, I realized that my familiarity has come only from reading them. I have never had the opportunity to experience one on the stage. A View From the Bridge follows a path of obsession taken by longshoreman Eddie (Liev Schreiber), since his niece Catherine (Scarlett Johansson) has grown up in he and his wife, Beatrice's (Jessica Hecht) care. (All seen to the right) When two cousins come to stay with them, as illegal immigrants, and love blossoms between Catherine and Rodolpho (Morgan Spector), Eddie is barely able to contain his rage.

I was immediately drawn in by Louis (Robert Turano), a local lawyer, and the narrator of the play. In many way, Louis represented the voice of reason and reality within the chaos that slowly builds. He presented a steady and strong voice that led me to want for the next part of the story. In fact, it was the natural ease of the actors and actresses that allowed reality to melt away, so that we might all glimpse through the small hole in the wall as the silent observers.

There was a clear chemistry between cast members and the transformation of Johansson and Schreiber into niece and uncle was seamless. Johansson was barely recognizable with her long brown locks and thick New York accent, while Schreiber commanded the stage, at least a foot taller than Johansson. This made for an added visual dynamic of the power Eddie held over Catherine. In addition to the story, I appreciated the glimpse into life in Brooklyn during the 1950's. The evidence of a truly remarkable production is when you realize your natural ability to empathize with each of the character, as people.

A View From the Bridge was a wonderful introduction back to Broadway in New York City. The show is in the final 3 weeks of its run. If you are ready to be swept away to 1950's Brooklyn for a couple of hours, don't miss this show!