Blackbird

On Broadway at the Belasco Theatre  

A story of forbidden love, the bold and icky subjects are back on Broadway. Last year uncomfortable hit Off Broadway with While I Yet Live and Stalking the Bogeyman, and this season we have Arthur Miller’sA View From the Bridge and now David Harrower’s Broadway Premiere of Blackbird which tells an ugly tale of child abuse or to better describe it,  the stolen innocence of a child.

The setting is the break room of  Ray’s (Jeff Daniels) place of employment, where Una (Michelle Williams) has just tracked him down after 15 years.  Ray tried very hard to disappear and begin a new life after he was convicted of molesting the 12 year old Una in the neighborhood where they lived.  This one goes beyond creepy, because the abuse  goes on for 3 months as an adult-like love affair that ends up with them running away together and landing in a hotel room where Una is violated, and later abandoned. 

There are 90 minutes of explosive and emotional dialogue, and the ugly existence of Una’s life  since Ray is uncovered while she draws out answers to many of her unanswered questions about why he never came back for her.  The details will make your skin crawl, any you will be filled with horror, anger, sadness and disgust.

As well played and compelling as the story was, I found that Daniels was not quite settled  in the role and Williams was perhaps over zealous at times.  In all fairness I saw this in early previews and have no doubt that these two pros will have worked out all the kinks in time for opening.

A man such as Ray will have to live with his shame forever, but will he ever pay the price?  Doubtful.  This is a limited engagement through June 11th. For tickets and more information visit: http://blackbirdbroadway.com/ and check my website for available discounts here

-ThisbroadSway 2/13/16.

There are many organizations dedicated to the prevention of child abuse.  You can start here http://www.americanhumane.org/children/stop-child-abuse/