June 28, 2013
Cult MTLJune 27, 2013
By Rachel Levine
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The Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre production Tales from Odessa opened last week at the Segal to an appreciative crowd. Based on the stories of Isaak Babel, this charmer tells how turn of the century Odessa no-goodnik Benya Krik becomes “king” of the gangsters. Benya’s greatest battle, though, is not against a rival faction but his abusive, alcoholic father Mendel “the Pogrom.”
The production has grandeur, right from the start. A large cast pours onstage to celebrate the wedding of Benya’s sister, when a message arrives that the new police chief plans a raid. We move back in time to see Benya’s “career” development, thieving and extorting the local bigwigs. We also learn that Mendel has thwarted not only Benya’s aspirations, but his brother’s and sister’s as well.
So much is likeable about this polished work. Benya is a very appealing anti-hero. The complexity of the Odessa neighborhood is presented through its cross section of characters. The music and lyrics are fresh, with an appropriate pinch of nostalgia. The leads and supporting cast are a joy to hear. However, the story itself starts to flounder. Benya needs a stronger antagonist to create sharper drama, but, more importantly, many of the wonderful characters are back-burnered almost as soon as they are introduced. Benya’s brother, sister and feisty wife disappear too quickly from the story. Continued development of the secondary characters would make this a more satisfying show. Nonetheless, this is a delightful production. With a bit more plot development massaged in, this musical could become a classic.