New York City Theater: 1776, King Lear Shine in New Jersey

1776, King Lear Shine in New Jersey

When the number of new Broadway and Off-Broadway shows dwindles in the dead heat of every summer, I am forced to start thinking outside the box – or, you might say, outside the state.

Last weekend I checked out two New Jersey productions that were only a train ride away: a dolled up youth-production of the musical “1776” at NJPAC in Newark, and an intimate revival of “King Lear” starring Daniel Davis (the butler on the TV sitcom “The Nanny”) at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey in Madison.

The New Jersey Youth Theatre brings together high school and college students each summer to perform a classic musical. But in addition to the plentiful talent, what really make this program stand out are its insanely impressive production values, including full orchestra, costumes and sets.

“1776,” which follows John Adams’ mission to convince the Second Continental Congress to declare independence from Britain, is just as much of a historic costume drama as it is a traditional musical. Dressing two-dozen youths, nearly all males, in wigs, high socks and cravats to play middle-aged diplomats can’t be easy.

Kevin Melendez, who looks and acts older the rest of his cast, plays the 41-year-old agitator Adams as well as any experienced character actor. The rest of the ensemble is equally worthy of praise, all of whom shine under Cynthia Meryl’s meticulous direction.

“King Lear,” the other hand, is pretty low-profile compared with the recent New York mountings of the tragedy with Ian McKellan, Kevin Kline and Christopher Plummer. Director Bonnie J. Monte, who retains the original setting of early England, has tended to Shakespeare’s text with absolute clarity.

But what makes this revival so riveting is Mr. Davis, who possesses a deep, sobering voice and makes distinctive acting choices, weeping in the lap of his fool when he suspects that he is on the verge of madness. Covered in a large beard and wavy white hair, he looks as though he stepped out of the Old Testament and into Shakespeare.

“1776” plays at NJPAC, 1 Center St, Newark NJ. www.njpac.org. “King Lear” plays at the Shakespeare Theatre of NJ, 36 Madison Ave, Madison, NJ. www.shakespearenj.org. Both plays close on Sunday.