The show opens with a ballad that sets the tone for a series of songs, poems, and prose, tracing Brecht’s life from its very beginning: when he was in the womb. Performers Herwig and Mehrling alternate as Brecht, seamlessly sharing the role and bringing different facets of his character to life.
Unsurprisingly Brecht’s writing shines with its characteristic simplicity and philosophical provocations, drawing the audience into his world. The text’s richness and depth underscores why his legacy endures, inviting the audience to connect the dots. However, the overall narrative feels prolonged, and the two-hour, interval-free runtime tests the patience, offering little to justify how it drags.
Mehrling delivers a standout performance, her powerhouse voice paired with a flair for clownish comedy that suits the cabaret style perfectly is testament for how her energy and charisma invigorate the stage.
Director Reese's work is clean and meticulous, creating dynamic compositions on an otherwise bare stage. His hold on repetitious classic cabaret-style songs effectively builds momentum and lands on strong dark conclusions.
While this production provides insight into the mind behind Brecht’s works, it struggles to maintain a compelling narrative journey, making its slow paced and extended runtime a challenge to endure. Nevertheless, it will likely appeal and be appreciated most by those intrigued by Brecht’s legacy.
Show title: Stranger Than the Moon
Venue: Coronet Theatre
Review date: 04/12/2024
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