Importance Score: 7 / 100 🟠
Theater Review
THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY
Two hours with no intermission. At the Music Box Theatre, 239 W. 45th Street.
In a theatrical landscape often seeking novelty, what registers as peak vanity? Perhaps a colossal, 15-foot visage of an actor looming onstage, intensely staring at the audience?
Consider, then, the amplified conceit: a high-definition video screen. Furthermore, multiply that by five – dedicating such technological grandeur to a single performer.
Through an impressive display of stagecraft, interwoven with stunning technology, Sarah Snook, celebrated for her role in “Succession,” delivers a tour-de-force performance embodying 26 distinct characters in “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” This innovative production premiered Thursday evening at the Music Box Theatre, captivating attendees with its bold ambition.
Under the direction of Kip Williams, this staging of “The Picture of Dorian Gray” is frequently captivating, characterized by a palpable sense of risk. The intricate setup necessitates flawless execution; any technical misstep amongst the array of cameras, a solitary missed prompt, or a forgotten line by the exceptionally gifted Snook risks unraveling this audacious theatrical experiment.
At the heart of the narrative is Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde’s quintessential Victorian embodiment of Narcissism. Gray embarks on a perilous pact to safeguard his youthful allure indefinitely, bartering with his very essence. As innocence wanes succumbs to escalating indulgence, Dorian’s existence descends into chaos, culminating in grave repercussions.
The play, mirroring its protagonist, navigates a precarious path, culminating in an enthralling theatrical experience.
Snook’s compelling performance distinguishes this production from mere spectacle. Known for her nuanced portrayal of Shiv in “Succession,” where her power-maneuvering character operated with subtle cunning masked by a charming demeanor, Snook now brings that captivating presence to the Broadway stage.
This Australian actress infuses the production with both humor and a spectral quality, embodying a multitude of roles. However, the understated subtlety that defined her “Succession” character is intentionally absent, replaced by a more overt and dynamic performance style appropriate for the stage and the multiplicity of characters.
A Theatrical Tour-de-Force: Snook’s Versatile Portrayals
Snook commands attention, embodying a spectrum of characters – from the aristocratic elite and a clumsy artist to an eccentric starlet and a vengeful sibling – in a layered, Russian-doll-like construction.
Innovative Staging and Technology
The performance begins in a format reminiscent of many solo shows, with Snook fluidly transitioning between characters, her transformations projected onto a large screen. A team of seven operates around her, capturing shots, adjusting sets, swiftly changing costumes, and introducing props, creating a dynamic and visually engaging spectacle.
Merging Reality and Pre-recorded Elements
Just as the audience becomes accustomed to this rapid-cut presentation, an unexpected element emerges: a disembodied hand reaching into the frame to interact with Dorian. This appendage belongs to the character Lord Henry Wotton – also portrayed by Snook, illustrating the production’s clever utilization of pre-recorded footage.
Indeed, numerous pre-filmed segments featuring Snook in elaborate costumes and striking makeup are integrated, seamlessly interacting and at times converging with her live performance, blurring the lines between real-time action and cinematic artifice.
Humor and Absurdity
In a particularly whimsical scene, reminiscent of 1990s comedy, an ensemble of seven distinct Snooks are depicted sharing a meal – a moment of deliberate absurdity injected into the gothic narrative.
Modern Resonance and Social Commentary
Once audiences acclimate to her multifaceted character portrayals, the directorial approach shifts, incorporating contemporary elements. Mobile phones and Instagram filters are integrated both playfully and, ultimately, disturbingly, drawing a parallel between Dorian’s curated image and the fabricated realities often presented by modern influencers. The production subtly argues that Dorian’s pursuit of an idealized existence mirrors the superficiality and hidden darkness lurking behind many digitally constructed public personas.
The resulting experience is deliberately unsettling, fantastical, and ultimately, deeply moving.
Minor Reservations and Overall Acclaim
One minor critique surfaces: at two hours without intermission, “Dorian Gray” might benefit from a slight reduction, perhaps by ten minutes. While medical professionals might advise otherwise, a pre-show regimen of dehydration is humorously suggested to avoid discomfort. Post-show celebratory drinks are, however, strongly endorsed.
Nonetheless, this worthwhile theatrical endeavor, despite potential skepticism towards onstage screens, evokes a sense of childlike wonder. It stimulates a delightful bewilderment in the initial act, prompting the audience to ponder the intricate mechanics behind the visual illusions, asking “How did they achieve that?”
More specifically, “How did she manage that?”
Subsequently, the audience becomes completely immersed, not only in the technological ingenuity but also in the enduring narrative of decline and moral corruption.
Much like the protagonist who discovers his essence mysteriously bound to a deteriorating portrait, we, as the audience, willingly embark on this theatrical journey. Unlike the ill-fated Dorian Gray, however, we ultimately emerge profoundly uplifted by the experience.