“Good Person of Szechwan” at the Public Theater (through November 24)

 

 Lisa Kron and Taylor Mac Photo credit: Carol Rosegg.a
(Photo credit: )

Finding a good person in Szechwan Province proves problematic for the three representatives of heaven’s hierarchy in Bertolt Brecht’s 1943 political allegory. But as far as I can see, there are no problems with the Foundry Theatre’s acclaimed production (previously at LaMama) that created a joyous and touching experience out of a play that could appear as both too politically didactic and philosophically remote for modern audiences. There is, however, so much audaciously conceived invention in this production with an original and wonderful country-styled score by Cesar Alvarez and as performed by pop-rock group The Lisps and the company that it seems like a totally new play, with no apologies to Brecht needed.

The first bow goes to Foundry’s director Lear DeBessonet who has adhered to the Brechtian message but has re-possessed it as a fantastical almost fairy-tale-told metaphor that delights that eye with cartoon-like razzle-dazzle and tickles the ear with its newly informed text. Although the production is not lavish by today’s standards, it has been designed by artists who know how to have fun with flair. That flair is captured by a company that could not be better at giving a new glow and inference to John Willet’s translation.

Among the sublime cast, there are two really great performances at the play’s center. Taylor Mac is magnificent in drag in the title role of the prostitute Shen Tei who has found a way to survive the poverty of the slums in which she lives. Far from hardened by her lot, Shen Tei is a terminal softy who, however, learns the hard-way that others don’t all share her values. The other great performance is by David Warner as Wang, the Waterseller, who serves as the play’s exuberantly clownish narrator and as guide for the three white-clad Gods, as played with a delightfully dismissive air by Vinie Burrows, Mia Katigbak and Mary Shultz.

Performed within a series of colorfully whimsical miniatures brilliantly designed by Matt Saunders, the story follows the efforts of Shen Tei to have a better life after she has been blessed by The Gods for giving them shelter after being turned away by everyone else in town. The Gods give Shen Tei enough money to open a tobacco shop that unfortunately becomes the target for some of the most unsavory and needy residents in town, all of whom conspire to manipulate Shen Tei.

Her survival techniques come into play as she assumes another identity in order to out-wit those whose intentions are not admirable and certainly not good. Better than good is Lisa Kron (yes, the same Kron who wrote the book for the musical “Fun Home” also playing at the Public) in multiple comical roles. But when it comes to changing personalities, this show belongs to Mac, whose impassioned acting is as terrific as his singing. But who would have thought that Brecht would be the voice behind the most exhilarating, laughter and tears-inducing musical of the season?

“Good Person of Szechwan” (through November 24, 2013)

Martinson Hall at the Public Theater, 425 Lafayette Street.

For tickets call 212) 967-7555