Off Stage Drama Can't Keep "Orphans" Down

Weeks shy of entering previews, the latest adaptation of Kyle Lessler’s “Orphans” received a sudden influx of attention when Shia LaBeouf publicly exited the production in early March. Many wondered about the future of the show that also was set to star Alec Baldwin, fresh off his 7 year engagement playing Jack Donaghy on “30 Rock”; and English actor, Tom Sturridge. Could “Orphans” survive the abrupt casting changes so close to opening night? The answer is an astounding yes!

Rather than halt production, Ben Foster who had previously auditioned for the play; was tapped to step into the role of Treat, a menacing petty thief struggling to support his emotionally damaged brother. With Foster in place, the small cast of three has come together to present a show that is passionate and dripping with raw emotion. Even with its dramatic themes, the trio revels in the humorous moments of script, creating an unexpectedly playful atmosphere throughout the show.

The updated cast creates a unique balance amongst themselves where no one actor is trampling over another to have their moment on stage. If anything, the three men play off each other, adding a further level of depth to these complex characters. With the entire story set within the small-dilapidated row house of Treat and Philip, the stage design is kept to a minimum. The cast makes the most of the sparse setting, especially Tom Sturridge who turns the stage into his own personal jungle gym. Without flashy sets, the play relies solely on the intense performances its actors all of whom shine in their respect roles.

Dark and at times unnerving, “Orphans” follows the lives of two adult Orphans whose world changes forever when the violent, unpredictable Treat (Foster) kidnaps a self-made millionaire, Harold (Baldwin). The story unfolds as the audience is introduced to Philip (Sturridge), who under the firm hand of his older brother has spent the majority of his life as an illiterate shut-in unable to tie his own shoes. As a result of their abandonment at a young age, Treat has forced Philip to live out his own lost childhood by forcing him to fear the world beyond their front door under the ruse of a severe allergy to the air outside. Enter Harold, an orphan in his own right, who quickly frees himself from Treat’s restraints only to decide to stick around to provide his kidnappers with the encouragement they’ve always been denied.

As Philip, Sturridge literally swings onto the set, radiating innocence as he cascades his body, primate style; across the stage. In a very thoughtful performance, Tom Sturridge tells much of Philip’s story through movement. Between his subtle hand gestures and his unwillingness to touch the ground for the first fifteen minutes of the show, the actor immediately demands the audience’s attention. Although many of Philip’s lines are met with laughter, Sturridge manages to earnestly illuminate the young man’s struggle to enter the world that he has so long been sheltered from. 

Despite being the closest thing to a villain that the play has, in the hands of Ben Foster, Treat becomes the tragic hero: a vulnerable “dead-end kid,” whose driving force in life is to keep his brother safe. Treat playfully enters the story jumping into an on going game of tag with Philip who has not stepped outside in 15 years. While coaxing his brother to disclose whether or not he’s eaten that day, Treat quickly reveals that he’s stabbed a man in a near by park. At the hands of the Charismatic Harold, Treat is given the opportunity to parlay his aggression into a lucrative career.

Faced with having everything he’s ever wanted, Treat begins to unhinge as he comes to the realization that he no longer his brother’s soul provider.  Throughout the play, Treat toes the line between compassion and blind rage as he comes to terms with losing his life’s purpose. Ben Foster is the wildcard of the cast, keeping the audience guessing as to just how far Treat’s anger will carry him. Purely terrifying at times, Foster provides the show with a unique energy that never falters.

The only Broadway veteran in the cast, Baldwin oozes confidence as a successful man with a mysterious past. Harold is a dynamic force; hell-bent on cleaning up the lives of the two orphans in whom he sees so much of himself.  Although the audience is never given much insight into Harold’s past, Baldwin plays the role with a distinct honesty that is both forceful and heartbreaking. It is refreshing to see Baldwin jump into such a powerful role so shortly after the end of his television tenure. From the second he steps on stage, it is obvious that this is exactly where the actor wants to be.

It will be tragic if the only press that this production receives is from the drama surrounding the last minute cast changes. In this particular instance, one actor’s loss is an entire production’s gain. Foster, Baldwin, and Sturridge thrive on stage together. The Actors deserve special attention for their dedication to this work. Currently in previews, the “Orphans” cast is gamely using this time to prefect their performances. Even as they work out the few remaining kinks, the energy on stage is electric. The show officially opens on April 18^th, hopefully to great fanfare. Theatergoers looking for an experience that is engaging and different should set aside time to see “Orphans.”

For more information on "Orphans," visit the shows website: Orphans On Broadway