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Dutch Courage Opens in New York |
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 Kenny Wade Marshall as Greta
Starring as Greta, Kenny Wade Marshall never took a wrong step as he found the heart, humour, and chutzpah to play Greta, the fearless leader of a group of gay resistance workers. His rendition of “Beautiful” and “They Can Take Nothing From Me” were at once moving and thoughtful. His work in the Opening “Queen of Amsterdam” and “Mien Gott” was hilarious. A star turn from a new diva.
Daryl Brown’s Jakob had an elegant simplicity to his performance. His role as both present day narrator and Greta’s second in command is the glue that holds the story together.
Greta and Jakob recruit a group of young men to ensnare the Germans. Matthew Napoli (Jopie) Matthew Burton (Jan) Dustin Tyler Moore (Rost) Daniel Moser (Willem) and Ben Strothmann (Derk) entrtained with their disciplined ensemble work in “Fags Can’t Fight”, though special mention must be given to Matthew Burton’s lead in “Sleeping With The Enemy”, Daniel Moser’s “Final Bow” and a sensational rendition of “Only Fools” and “Reprise” by Dustin Tyler Moore.
A large number of the ensemble double in other smaller roles, and it is a credit to their performances that these smaller characters were never “small”. Ben Strothmann’s Jewish Man is an excellent example of this.
The main love story in the show was between Matthew Napoli’s Jopie and Frank Galgano’s Kurt. In a pair of extremely moving duets, these two were a definite highlight, both in fine voice and character, as they fall in love and ultimately end their time together. These two gentlemen are definitely performers to watch.
Finally, bringing a heart to the villain of the piece is a challenge to any actor. Kudos must be given to Jared Joplin’s portrayal of the German Officer, finding a humanity and soul to a man blindly convinced he is doing right. His performance of “Nacht Und Nebel” is chilling. Excellent choices all round, this is an exceptional performance.
The cast were led and choreographed by the sure handed direction of Fred C. L. Mann III. His experience, talent, commitment and ability gave the piece a clarity in story and performance. Backed up by Hayley Johnson’s assured musical direction, the cast delivered performances not only on note, but on message.
Dutch Courage runs until June 21 at Wings Theatre in Christopher Street. Tickets can be booked here or phone 212-627-2961.
Pictures by Carlos Gustavo Monroy.
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