Off-Broadway Review: “The Visitor”
The new musical “The Visitor,” now playing at the Public’s Newman Theater, is based on the 2007 film sharing the same title, with a book by Kwame Kwei-Armah and Brian Yorkey, music by Tom Kitt and lyrics also by Mr. Yorkey. The story is the same but somehow confining it to the stage provides a better focus on the characters eluding any distractions that may interfere. This production manages to allow the audience to join in the intimate journey of these human beings as they experience a special connection during a chaotic, confusing, and isolated social climate. Although the tone may be somber, it is a story of discovery and renewal that is joyful and heartwarming, as well as having the ability to dissect humanity intellectually and emotionally.
It centers around Walter (a mournful David Hyde Pierce) grieving the death of his musician wife unable to find interest in his role as an economics professor or conjure up the enthusiasm to write his fourth book. He travels to a work-related conference in New York City, arriving at his vacant apartment only to find it occupied by two illegal immigrants, Tarek (a vulnerable Ari’el Stachel) from Syria and his girlfriend Zainab (a strong, stern Alysha Deslorieux) from Senegal. They rented it from an acquaintance unknowing of it being a shady deal. It is an implausible set up that is forgiving once the story unfolds. No need for extreme detail but a bond is created as Tarek who is a drummer, teaches Walter to play the Djembe igniting his lost emotional connection to music. Tarek gets arrested in the subway, then turned over to ICE and put in a detention center. Zainab moves out and stays with a distant relative. Tarek’s concerned mother Mouna (a sensitive Jacqueline Antaramian) shows up after not being able to contact him for a week and she stays with Walter as he tries to help Tarek. As the narrative concludes there are no winners here. No one is saved but perhaps people gain a clearer vision of people that isn’t laden by politics or racism.
Ms. Deslorieux creates an honest and solid Zainab complete with powerful and pure vocals. Ms. Antaramian fills Mouna with motherly instincts, always wise, committed and loving. Mr. Stachel infuses Tarek with enthusiasm, optimism and pride but always stays emotionally vulnerable. David Hide Pierce constructs a complex Walter lost in grief yet struggling to survive. His vocals reflect his characters insecurity and emotional state. Daniel Sullivan deftly directs the production and keeps things moving at a steady pace. The ensemble magnificent always complimenting scenes and never intrusive. The production is never heavy handed but allows the characters to develop in their own space and speak for themselves.
The end product is about lonely, confused, wounded people needing to heal, making a connection regardless of nationality or the color of their skin. The judicious outcome is that there are no illegal human beings and in a benevolent world.
Off-Broadway Review: “The Visitor” at the Public’s Newman Theater (Through Sunday, December 5, 2021)
Music by Tom Kitt
Lyrics by Brian Yorkey
Book by Kwame Kwei-Armah and Brian Yorkey
Choreography by Lorin Latarro
Directed by Daniel Sullivan
Based on the Groundswell Productions and Participant Media Motion Picture Written by Thomas McCarthy