A captivating theater review: Ethan Slater's portrayal of Marcel Marceau in 'Marcel on the Train'.
In the early 1940s, a young Marcel Marceau, before becoming a world-renowned mime, was an unsung hero of the French Jewish Resistance. His mission? To save children from Nazi-occupied France. As a fellow resistance member recalls, "Marceau mimed to keep children quiet as they escaped. It had nothing to do with show business; he was risking his life." This dramatic past sets the stage for 'Marcel on the Train', a fictionalized biodrama by actor Ethan Slater and director Marshall Pailet.
Slater, known for his movement skills from 'SpongeBob SquarePants' and the 'Wicked' movies, shines in this production. He portrays Marceau, who attempts to entertain and distract 12-year-olds from the horrors outside. The cast, all adult actors, includes Adolphe (Max Gordon Moore), Henri (Alex Wyse), Berthe (Tedra Millan), and the silent Etiennette (Maddie Corman), each bringing depth to the story.
The play is set in a single train car, but director Pailet's creative staging and lighting from Studio Luna transform the space. Despite knowing Marceau's survival and the children's fate, the play struggles to maintain suspense. The attempts to add tension, like a Nazi soldier's interrogation scene, feel forced. The climax, a recreation of Marceau's 'Bip and the Butterfly' routine, offers a moment of silence, but it doesn't quite match the intended impact.
'Marcel on the Train' is a thought-provoking piece, directed by Pailet, running for 1 hour and 40 minutes without an intermission. It's a must-see for theater enthusiasts, available at the Classic Stage Company (Off Broadway). Follow the latest reviews and news on various social media platforms for more insights.
