Iguana Looking for Utopia

Last night I saw part 2 of Tom Stoppard's The Coast of Utopia, which is titled Shipwreck.

All I can really say is: WOW, this series is intense and amazing. I am thrilled for part three (which I'll be seeing January 30th). What was so great about part two was that it went from being this huge epic, to a domestic drama, but still maintained it's integrity.

In the first part each scene was a different year, so a about ten years were covered, and in the second act it went back to the beginning and covered some missing spots from Act 1. The entire time you watched it you felt in awe of the monstrosity of this story and could tell that big things were to come to this cast of young Russian philosophers and revolutionaries.

In Part two though it had the same feel but added the humanity the first play missed out on. In part 2 Stoppard finally picks on character to focus on. Alexander Herzen and his family life. While in part 1, the Bakunin family, Michael's friends and many others were introduced in the show, it left you feel slightly lost. With four sisters (the Bakunin's actually numbered 8 children, but 4 sisters is enough), five young Russian thinkers and 32 other characters it was often hard to keep track, that and it seemed every ones name was Nicholas.

While in Part 2, there are still just as many characters, but only 5-7 are REALLY focused on this time. Alexander Herzen (who only had two scenes in the first show) suddenly becomes the amazing lead. He's smart, witty and an incredibly intelligent character that you can't help but appreciate. Brian F. O'Bryne does an amazing job and his interesting voice makes him easy to remember among the masses.

Alexander's wife, Natalie Herzen is a bud of sexuality and confusion that once again is amazing to watch unfold on stage. A woman who cherishes the idea of the past love her and her friends had, but knows that change is on the horizon and that frightens her. She seeks out the writing of George Sand who helps her see a different meaning to the word love, something that ends up causing more pain to those around her than she foresees. Jennifer Ehle handles this character superbly and the nativity that she possesses helps the audience not to hate her as she makes the choices that ultimately change her and her family's life.

As far as production values go, this show is still flawless. The scenery though sparse (I'm sorry but serfs holding branches to simulate trees, does not a full set make.) The ideas and concepts executed are exceptional though! In the first act there is a reenactment of the French Revolution (very Les Mis if you ask me) with the symbol of French Freedom waving the banner (Marianne, not Eponine). My favorite scene concept was the recreation of a famous Manet painting (once again very Sunday in the Park with George.) Including a fully nude Jennifer Ehle for all the audience to see. Bravo Ms. Ehle!!

It was ideas like this that keeps this show fresh and so interesting to watch. They are including everything of the time period, philosophy, art, literature, etc. I would not be surprised if one of these plays ends up nominated for several Tony's in June.