Review: Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune

Hey readers!
It's time for my review of Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune.
In this new Broadway production, Audra McDonald and Michael Shannon, two of the most acclaimed actors of their generation, bring the bruised dreamers of Terrence McNally’s classic romance to new life. Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune is a portrait of a lonely waitress and a short order cook whose first date turns into a one-night stand – and maybe more.

The story of Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune is quite interesting for the most part, which is a factor that I would largely accredit to the show's intriguing main characters. Both Frankie and Johnny are somewhat tragic figures, with both of them having suffered several grievances in their pasts. Their conversations detailing such backstories are quite compelling and make for interesting viewing. They are both quite ordinary people, which allows audience members to easily find ways in which they can relate to these characters. Their discussions about searching for love and happiness come across as heartfelt and genuine, which is also another way in which it becomes easier to connect with Frankie and Johnny. As well as the well-written characters, I also appreciated the humour which author Terrence McNally has inserted throughout the play. There are some genuinely funny moments, which are also aided by the precise comic timing of the two leading performers.

In the leading role of Frankie is six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald, who has an electric stage presence. I thoroughly enjoyed her performance, which was largely as a result of her natural ability to demonstrate all of the different elements of Frankie's personality. McDonald perfectly portrays the comedic side, as well as the more tragic element of the character. She goes through a roller-coaster of emotions as the show progresses, and McDonald flawlessly conveys this every step of the way. Starring opposite McDonald is Michael Shannon, in the role of Johnny. For his performance Shannon has perfected the portrayal of a rather intense character, which is something that he has mastered skilfully. He seemed so believable in this role, and it really felt as if he truly did care a lot for Frankie. Shannon has fully immersed himself in this role, and it is evident that he is a very gifted actor. The two actors have brilliant chemistry with one another and worked brilliantly together. They created an interesting dynamic as Frankie and Johnny and were exceedingly compelling to watch.

In regards to creativity, both the scenic and lighting, designed by Riccardo Hernández and Natasha Katz respectively, were superb. They contributed nicely to the overall atmosphere of the play, and the lighting, in particular, was especially effective when representing the sunrise.

Now for my final verdict on Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune. I give Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune...

In my personal opinion, at the heart of Frankie and Johnny in the Clair De Lune is not so much the writing, but more so the actors that portray the two leading characters. In this particular production, the two actors in these roles are phenomenal; without them, I doubt I would have enjoyed this production anywhere near as much as I did.

Think it should have a higher rating? Agree with my rating? Think it should have got a lower rating? If so comment below.

Thanks for reading!

-The Reviewer