Escaping Dreamland
Written by Charlie Lovett
Under St. Marks at 94 St Marks Street @ First Avenue
September 8th & 9th
I’ll admit it – I’m a sucker for historical pieces about New York City. Anything from Hello, Dolly! to Guys and Dolls to The Odd Couple where you can still visit Delmonico's, walk past The Bowery Mission and where grown adults still need to have roommates. I love learning little details about the history of NYC like Olmstead lowering the pathways in Prospect Park to make it look like the women of the late 1800’s were floating by in the long dresses since you could never see their feet; or the story of the World War I wishbones in McSorley’s. And, all the world fell in love with a historical musical about the first Secretary of the Treasury. So, it’s no wonder I loved Escaping Dreamland.
Starting out in 1906 New York City, three would-be writers come together not only to create, but to change each other’s lives. Magda, the daughter of German immigrants is a publisher’s secretary who longs to be a writer herself. She meets Tom, a member of New York Society’s elites who wants to pitch an adventure story to boss. By the end of their meeting, where she bars his entry, she has refashioned his story, and he’s convinced her to meet for lunch to discuss their literary promise. A chance encounter with Gene, a young scientist who was lunching within earshot, rounds out the trio and the adventure begins.
The beautifully crafted script creates three multifaceted humans – much like the characters these writers describe wanting to write about. They don’t want to be stifled by the limitations of their time. This limited NYC run was fortunate to have the actors from the original North Carolina production make the journey to this tiny East Village subterranean theater. Hunter Harrell’s Magda is the glue of the trio. While she faces the limitations placed on her sex, she’s also the one with the most business savvy. Charlie Putnam’s Tom wants to be more than a rich boy marrying a Vanderbilt or an Aster – sadly, the Miss Stone he fancies is not one of the “Philadelphia Stones”. The beauty and pathos of Tanner Whicker’s Gene adds such depth to the story – a credit to both the playwright and performer. The ensemble deftly fills in mothers, fathers, siblings, bosses and strangers alike.
I can only hope that Escaping Dreamland’s limited NYC run is a calling card for bigger things to come for this play. Playwright Charlie Lovett’s love letter to the City of New York needs to spend more time here being seen by all of those who love this City and great theatre. And, I’m sure Hunter Harrell, Charlie Putnam and Tanner Whicker would be welcomed with open arms.
Reviewed by Nicole Jesson
Published by Theatre Beyond Broadway on September 12th, 2024. All rights reserved.