The Fear of 13.

"The Fear of 13" at James Earl Jones Theatre is a riveting play based on the life of Nick Yarris. Making his Broadway debut, Adrien Brody is excellent in the lead role. Through a Ph,D student in the field of poetry, Jacki Miles (Tessa Thompson), Yarris relives his life, his hopes and his knowledge that he has acquired through reading over 1,000 books while on death row at the Huntington, Pennsylvania Correctional Facility.  Miles has donated her time at the institution and shows up weekly to hear the concerns of the inmates on death row. She particularly is interested in Yarris's life. As she begins to bond with him, she tries to help him get off death row and out of prison entirely. 

What makes "The Fear of 13" so good is several fold: Adrien Brody is a natural in his role; both funny and poignant, Brody commands his role. The set design by Arnulfo Maldonado, the lighting by Heather Gilbert and the superb direction by David Cromer. This may very well be the best direction by Cromer that I have seen by him. He is deft in locking in the actors in this well written story by Lindsey Ferrentino.

Ferrentino pays careful attention in the dialogue between Brody and Thompson. The two slowly unwind their lives; what their fears are, what makes them tick. Yarris is unconventional, his statements and loud thoughts at times are hilarious. We feel like we know him personally over the two hours. Even though he has been given a raw deal over his lifetime, Cromer never brings out the really ugly side of prison, he only dabbles which makes the story that much better.

"The Fear of 13" is so well done. From the excellent writing, the direction as well as the acting and everything that supports the show is first rate and a must see!

Adrian Brody is coming off an Oscar win and could be a Tony contender for his role in Fear13. In fact, Ferrentino as a writer too could be up for a Tony award as well. The writing and research she did for the show was first rate. In fact the entire show lacked nothing... the lighting and stage craft were exceptional.

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This season is shaping up to be one for the books! I am now hearing that "Becky Shaw" is a funny winner as well! Just off seeing "Giant" last night, it too was sensational. Coupled with "Every Brilliant Thing" and "Dog Day Afternoon", this season is off and running!

The two to three shows next up are: Rocky Horror, Fallen Angels and the Joe Turner and Becky Shaw. I did not put in for everything as some shows this season do not interest me. But the shows I just mentioned are without a doubt must sees to conclude a great season! After the fall season, this is well enjoyed. Last season was very disappointing indeed.

Next up for me is "Fallen Angels" and then Beeches'. Like "Dog Day, I am interested to see how Beeches will be directed. Both shows to me need a steady hand to direct these kind of shows. For one, they were two blockbuster movies, and to put them onstage live needs creativity, especially in their direction. A great set too is mandatory!

Look for my reviews here, at New York Lifestyles Magazine, My Life Publications and NJ Monthly. I shall be back next week with two reviews over Medium, Wix, digital and with No Bull With Raging Robert. I also write on Gettr as well as Tumblr publications and Substack.

#Bobby Broadway, Adrien Brody, Oscars, Hollywood, Broadway, New York City, New York Lifestyles Magazine, RM Global Advisors, Robert Massimi, Beeches, Genie Tripplehorn, Bette Midler, Shaw, Oscar Wilde, Shakespeare, No Bull With Raging Robert.