By: Darryl Reilly
“I want to tell you a story, but I don’t think you’re ready for it” says Tony Danza as a charming grifter at the start of playwright Ben Andron’s resonant and twisty contemporary psychological family drama Broken Snow.
The 75-year-old Brooklyn born Mr. Danza has been a major American entertainment figure for nearly 50 years. He has had leading roles in classic television situation comedies, acclaimed stints on Broadway, and is a notable cabaret singer. He now possesses a silvery mane of lustrous hair, a weathered familiar face, that beloved New York accent, and his still impressive and limber physique which recall his long-ago boxing career. Those striking attributes combined with his enduring star presence enable Danza’s majestic performance as a paternal rogue in this Off-Broadway production. His soaring delivery of several passionate monologues including one about snow falling are spellbinding. Artfully simulated snow beautifully falls during the presentation.
A middle-aged police officer breaks into the ransacked house of an elderly woman who died three years earlier. He encounters a young punk; guns are brandished and physical altercations occur. During a taut combination of strained conversations and revelatory flashbacks they discover that they are half-brothers begat by a cryptic and recently deceased old man. Who was he?
Mr. Andron’s classic combative siblings of a derelict parent scenario is spun out through his ratatat dialogue, expert construction, an abundance of plausible surprises, and relatable defined characters. Broken Snow is an absorbing entertainment which sustains its 85-minute length.
The youthful and magnetic Michael Longfellow’s standup comedy background informs his ingratiating characterization of the younger brother. Mr. Longfellow’s superior comic timing, sensitivity, expressive facial features, and animated physicality, are all integral to his winning turn.
Television series veteran Tom Cavanagh anchors the show with his soulful portrayal of the older brother. Whether intensely interacting with Longfellow or engaged in an emotionally raw exchange with Danza, Mr. Cavanagh radiates sincerity and is heartbreaking.
Director Colin Hanlon’s crackling physical staging achieves momentum, suspense, and visual élan. Rod Kinter’s fight coordination includes several searing clashes.
Scenic designer Scott Adam Davis’s spacious and detailed domestic setting cleverly and briskly depicts several locations. Jeff Croiter’s sober lighting design reflects the piece’s tones with atmospheric dimness alternating with muted brightness and connotes the past for the flashbacks. Sound designer Bill Toles renders the incidental music, gunshots, and other effects with bracing clarity. Danza’s all black attire and long gray overcoat are a dramatic aspect of Lisa Zinni’s grand costume design. The brothers are clothed in choice everyday wear of a hoodie, a pullover, jeans, and sweatpants.
Broken Snow is a compelling tale enhanced by the glorious teamwork of Tony Danza, Tom Cavanagh, and Michael Longfellow.
Broken Snow (through May 31, 2026)
Theatre 71, 152 West 71st Street, in Manhattan
For tickets, visit www.brokensnow.com
Running time: 85 minutes with no intermission