The Bottom Line
My Life With Albertine, based on Proust's "Remembrance of Things Past", focuses on the author's obsession with his mistress, Albertine, and exploring the darkness of jealousy.
Pros
- Off-Broadway flavor
- See Tony Award winning stars for less
- Engaging and interesting
Cons
- Closes March 30, 2003
- First act moves a little slowly
Description
- Playwrights Horizons Main Stage at 416 West 42nd Street.
- Book & Lyrics by Richard Nelson
- Music & Lyrics by Ricky Ian Gordon
- Choreography by Sean Curran
- Directed by Mr. Nelson
- Opening Thursday, March 13, 2003
- Closing Sunday, March 30, 2003
- The musical is based on sections of Proust's novel "Remembrance of Things Past."
- Brent Carver, a Tony winner for his role in Kiss of the Spider Woman, plays the older Marcel.
- Chad Kimball plays Marcel at age 17.
Guide Review - Playwrights Horizon
Expecting "My Life with Albertine" to be a staid period piece? You'll be surprised, if not shocked. The musical focuses on Proust's obsession with his red-haired mistress, Albertine. Departing from the typical "boy meets girl" plot, it explores the darkness of jealousy. Marcel, the hero, irrationally believes that Albertine is having lesbian affairs. Brent Carver plays the older Marcel, reflecting on this seminal period in his young life, while interacting with himself at 17. Simple lullabies and children's songs reflecting Marcel's childish character before his affair, juxaposed with operatic dirges, capturing the tragic effect of his self inflicted destruction of happiness. The play preserves both the essence and themes of Proust's work.
