Concise seems a contrary word for over three hours in the theatre, but THE LEHMAN TRILOGY is just that, a clear and comprehensive epic, an incisive, succinct and enthralling three hours that seems all too brief. In the company of this company, one would gladly stay for a Lehman quartet.
Precise rhymes with concise and, relevant to this production, those words form a couplet, the precision of the writing, direction, and performance creating a precision instrument, a lean machine that powers through the history of the Lehman brothers, founders of a dynamic dollar making dynasty
Adrian Schiller as Henry, Howard W. Overshown as Emanuel and Aaron Krohn as Mayer begin the play as the progenitors of the dynasty, and upon establishing those identities, continue doubling throughout as offspring and offsiders, from bawling babies to decrepit rabbis, women, children, accents and cadences, a virtual cavalcade of rich characterisations.
These three performers not only inhabit these characters, they command the stage with awesome physicality and vibrant vocal work.
The Lehman Brothers’ story is a saga of epic proportion. Beginning in 1844 with a tiny cotton store in Montgomery, Alabama and ending with a global empire that came crashing down in 2008, bringing the planet’s economy to the brink of collapse.
Principal pianist, the not so silent partner and fourth member of the cast, Cat Beveridge, provides a musical commentary that subliminally, although sometimes more emphatically, compliments the tone of the play.
The set by Es Devlin is wondrously impressive. Chrome and glass and cardboard boxes on a revolving stage create a veritable playground that enhances the meaning, metaphor and movement of the piece. Back projections by video designer Luke Halls add to the texture and rhythms of the play, panoramic, bustling, vertiginous.
Directed by Sam Mendes, this National Theatre/Neal Street production of THE LEHMAN TRILOGY is as astonishing as the story it tells. Unlike what befell the company, however, it does not deteriorate and crash, and delivers bounteous dividends to its audience.
THE LEHMAN TRILOGY plays Theatre Royal Sydney 108 King St, Sydney, till March 24
Website: thelehmantrilogy.com.au
Box Office: theatreroyasydney.com