Chaim Potok’s bestselling novel, “The Chosen,” comes to life in a mesmerizing play by Potok and Aaron Posner. The Wisconsin premiere of The Chosen
was produced by In Tandem Theater in Milwaukee. “The Chosen” is perhaps best known from the 1981 film starring Maxmillan Schell, Rod Steiger and Robby Benson.
The story, set in 1940s Brooklyn, is about two Jewish boys who become lifelong friends despite living in dramatically different households. Although the boys live only blocks from each other, they are worlds apart. One is the son of an influential Hasidic spiritual leader, and the other, the son of a renowned Zionist professor. By the end of this coming-of-age story, Danny and Reuven learn that their lives will veer drastically from their pre-destined futures.
As Danny, Andrew Bosworth shows tremendous potential as a young actor who can transmit strong emotions despite his character’s necessary limitations. He is the young son who will one day replace his cold, seemingly unfeeling father, Rabbi Saunders (Bill Watson). The tension between them is palpable through the silence that envelops their modest home. Danny does not initially understand why his father is so standoffish. The Rabbi waits until the end of the play to reveal the reasons for his silence.
Watson is a force of nature as the commanding Rabbi Saunders. His leadership qualities, as well as the heavy burdens he holds on behalf of his followers, are easy to see in Watson’s excellent performance.
Conversely, things are far different in the secular apartment where Reuven lives. We first meet Reuven as young boy, who is all arms and legs and very curious about the world around him. He’s crazy about baseball, and the scenes he shares with his militaristic baseball coach (Matt Daniels) bring humor and boyish buoyancy to the play’s early scenes. As Reuven, Eric Schabla is just fun to watch. His face easily registers the joy, petulance and awkwardness of someone his age.
As the coach, Daniels roars his orders to the troops (his young baseball players). They salute him in response. Daniels’ Brooklyn accent is hysterical, and it introduces a sense of New York that pervades the entire show. Daniels takes on many roles as the play’s narrator. Most of the time he is an older Reuven, looking back at his life and the influences that shaped him.
Reuven shares a close, caring relationship with his father, David Malter (Jim Tasse). While no pushover, David is much more of a nurturing influence. He freely shares his love of religion and knowledge in the long chats he has with his son. His enthusiasm is whipped up so strongly by his beliefs that his health suffers. While crusading for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Israel, for instance, David suffers his second heart attack. By now, the audience has taken David into their hearts, and they, too, share Reuven’s loss. This is a testament to Jim Tasse’s fine acting. Although he temporarily leaves the stage, Tasse’s character somehow remains to influence the decisions his son must make.
The actors blend seamlessly under Chris Flieller’s direction. The actors create a moving, engrossing portrait of what life must have been like in those chaotic days during World War II, when every triumph on the battleground was accompanied by tragedy, too.
The set is divided into the two households, with various some scenes played on the empty forestage. This arrangement works well by subliminally reinforcing the image of home and how we are all influenced by our pasts.
Mention must be made of Kathleen Smith’s vintage costumes and the greater-than-usual influence of sound in the production. Original violin music is played by Milwaukee composer Michi Regier.
