By: Darryl Reilly
“We shouldn’t be taking these kinds of risks, just to make a living.” So, opines a downtrodden fisherman in writer and creator Michael Gorman’s ambitious new musical The Moby Dick Blues. Elements and characters from Herman Melville’s 1851 classic novel Moby Dick are fused with a contemporary take on substance addiction, set in New England. The show expresses the belief Captain Ahab was an addict and that the white whale is a metaphor for drugs. During two sweeping acts, Mr. Gorman’s humane characters battle their heartbreaking, personal demons through song, dance and spoken word, on an epic scale.
(Photo credit: Sabine Lola Stock)
Rock, pop, blues and bluegrass, characterize the often raw, and edgy score; shades of Guns N’ Roses abound. Gorman’s biting lyrics are matched with Joe John Battista and Kavi Gasper’s soaring original music. The plentiful songs are fiercely performed live by Mr. Battista on lead guitar, music director Mr. Gasper on keys, Ron Raymond on bass/pedal and lap steel Guitar, and Zianni Orange on drums.
(Photo credit: Sabine Lola Stock)
Battista is among the most extraordinary directors working on the current New York City stage; The Moby Dick Blues is a thrilling exhibition of his command of stagecraft. Each vignette is powerfully presented through mesmerizing tableaus, searing movement sequences and eerie shadow puppetry, all while mining the characters’ aching emotions. The presence of the treacherous sea is ever present through clever visualization on the artfully simple scenic design of platforms and small boats. Sevin Ceviker’s lead choreography and Mackenna Goodrich’s song choreography, yield several rousing numbers. Lighting designer Christopher Akerlind’s arresting assortment of hues vigorously complement the varying locations and actions. Angela Wendt’s gritty costume design is of rough authenticity with fantastical flourishes.
(Photo credit: Sabine Lola Stock)
A large cast vividly portray the gallery of leading and supporting figures, offering soulful characterizations. This majestic ensemble consists of Alex Notkin, Teddy Lytle, Jim O’Brien, Andrew Ryan Perry, Sarah MacDonnell, Gabbi Beauvais, Daniel Yaiullo, Shuhei Kinoshita, Sevin Ceviker, Sam Rothermel, Kristy Beauvais, Jessica Phoenix, CREDLE, MoonSky, Christian Neal, Tiera Lopper, Henry MacDowell, and Erick Alonso.
This is the world premiere production of The Moby Dick Blues. In its present form it is structurally wayward, and its narrative threads do not totally connect. Still, devisor Michael Gorman melds autobiographical aspects with Melville’s enduring themes for an emotionally resonant theatrical experience.
The Moby Dick Blues (through June 22, 2025)
The Forty Hour Club
La MaMa
Ellen Stewart Theatre, 66 East 4th Street, in Manhattan
For tickets, visit www.fortyhourclub.com
Running time: two hours and 20 minutes including one intermission