Herringbone

The McCarter Theater in Princeton kicked off its season in austerity mode. A fancy new musical was supposed to be the first offering, but it was scrubbed for cost reasons and replaced with another musical, but a musical with a cast of one (and three musicians).

Herringbone, with a book by Tom Cone, music by Skip Kennon, and lyrics by Ellen Fitzhugh, was brilliantly performed by BD Wong, who many may know as the psychiatrist on one of the myriad Law and Order shows. It's a strange tale, summarized simply as being about an eight-year-old boy who is possessed by the spirit of a dead dwarf vaudevillian.

Wong plays many parts, including the boys' parents, grandmother, a tailor, and a hotel barmaid, in addition to the usurping vaudevillian (known as "The Frog") and his partner, "The Chicken." It's set in 1929, and the opening number, "One of Those Years," is certainly apt, as not only the country but the young boy, George, is certainly having one of those years. After winning a speech contest, George is suddenly able to sing and tap dance, and his father, with dollar signs in his eyes, takes the family on the road. It's then that the Frog makes his presence known.

There's no denying the incredible performance that Wong gives. He's onstage the entire time, and called on to sing, dance, and do many voices, as well as feats of athleticism. The director, Roger Rees, has even chosen to have Wong's dressing room on stage, so he is visible as he prepares, rests during the intermission, and decamps after the show as the crowd is filing out. (I was tempted to linger and see how long he actually stays on stage). This gives the evening a kind of "meta" look. When exactly does the performance begin and end?

As sure as I am about Wong I'm not so sure about the play itself. It is certainly different, that's for sure. The ending turns quite eye-raising, as the Frog, in George's body, mind you, picks up a barmaid and has sex with her (and remember Wong is playing all the parts). Realizing the Frog won't leave him, George climbs onto a window ledge and threatens to jump. I'm not quite sure how it ends--is George telling his story from the afterlife?

There's nothing particularly memorable about the songs, though some of the lyrics are quite clever. This is really an opportunity to watch a gifted actor at work, and for that it was all worth it.