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It’s hard to imagine two Jewish adolescent boys with such alarming differences bonding with one another after playing in a heated baseball game, especially since the batter (Danny Saunders, a lanky, uptight academic overachiever and son of a Hasidic Rebbe) nearly put out the pitcher’s eye (Reuven Malter, a bright athletic looking son of an Orthodox Jew) with his aggressive swing, landing the orb-injured in a hospital room. And quite the sight it is to see this Danny playing baseball in a traditional Hasidic-style coat while the other boys dress in typically casual attire.
Set in 1944, Aaron Posner and Chaim Potok’s play The Chosen (the play adaptation of Potok’s eponymous titled novel) examines the strife between opposing Jewish viewpoints of the Orthodox and the Hasidim. Danny’s father, Reb Saunders, comes from a long line of Hasidic leaders, a Rebbe (established Jewish teacher) that plans to pass on his title to his son, whom in turn, will earn the prestigious title of the synagogue’s tzaddik (spiritual leader of the community). With his extraordinary intelligence and photographic mind, not to mention laser-like devotion to study, Danny’s a perfect choice. One inconvenient problem surfaces, he secretly yearns to become a psychologist. Danny’s buddy, Reuven, has a father, David Malter, who leads a Zionist movement, an opposing factor to Saunders belief that the homeland of the Jews lies in Israel. Zionism follows the rebuilding of the Jewish homeland in Palestine. So the boy’s fathers oppose one another. Naturally, this drives a rift between the boys’ friendship. Interestingly, Reuven, finds solace in studying the Talmud, choosing to become a Rabbi. Danny bravely opts to break away from the pre-ordained life of his father’s.
Park Square Theater, under the loose direction of Peter Moore, stages a swiftly paced production of The Chosen, compelling drama that conveys the dividing rift between the Hasidic and Non-Hasidic Jew, the life styles forced upon by stifling traditions and misconceptions. The conflict plays out with a surging intensity between the boys as they wrestle with their differences in theology, yet bond with each other because of their chivalrous devotions to their faith.
The maturing relationship between Danny and Reuven from competitive jealous youngsters to nurturing grown men is made believable by actors Jim Halloran and Scott Gilbert. Occasionally, Halloran may border vocally on whiny affectation playing younger Danny, but facially mines determined strength and conviction as he explores the complexities of maturation. Gilbert hits an even stride growing from the curiously torn kid to a peacefully confident adult. Michael Tezla chooses a safely insular approach with Rev while Ari Hoptman delivers the most nuanced performance as Reuven’s father David. With verbal precision and a crafty understanding of subtext, this assured actor tethers a beautiful balance between heated conflict and calming tenderness. Michael Paul Levin, often cast in Moore directed productions, gives Reuven Malter, the older adult observer, a too relaxed demeanor. This affable approach works well for a narrator of the play, but in this context as the older Reuven, and visibly paired right next to Gilbert’s younger Reuven, Levin lacks both the necessary height and vocal characteristics to match Gilbert. Michael Hoover’s spare set design paired with media projections of baseball parks and hospital rooms effectively captures period and the vastly subtle differences in the interiors of the two families.
Disturbingly, the character of Reb Saunders(right) projects a wall of silence towards his son Danny, seeking the buddy friendship of Reuven, to communicate to his son what Reb should be doing. Tradition can stubbornly hide the heart from speaking. Take away the fear and what a world it could be for a father and his son.
The Chosen-
Running March 16- April 1, 2007
Park Square Theater
Historic Hamm Building
20 West Seventh Place
St. Paul, MN
Ticket Prices:
$32 - $35
Rush Tickets:
$15
Tickets & Info:
651-291-7005