Broadway's still dark, but who cares. Ode to the Man Who Kneels, now playing at the Performing Garage on Wooster Street, is written, directed and composed by Richard Maxwell. The musical is just the latest sign that the western genre is alive and well in American theater and film. Like 3:10 to Yuma (2007) - one of several recent examples - the familiar western themes are touched upon - impending death, bleak landscapes, lawlessness, and drought (of several kinds). But what sets "Ode" apart are the catchy songs. One in particular - maybe titled "Endure" - leaves one feeling oddly hopeful and humming along. Here's Ben Brantley's NY Times review.
Theatergoer beware. Maxwell has a cult following of sorts and based on last night's performance, the squeezed-in crowd can be annoying. Watch out for adult twins dressed exactly alike, sleeping and wheezing older couples and cackling young ladies. If this means you, take a moment to brush up on your theater etiquette.
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