“The Chosen” ( Milwaukee) reviewed by Amy Menzel

***** To start at the end might seem strange, but…well, hear me out. In the beat following the last line of The Chosen, a patron uttered, “Oh my…” And then the lights came back up, and the cast prepared for their curtain call, and the audience rose to their feet, and the silence that had filled the house for over two hours was washed away by applause, by expressed admiration. It was a familiar feeling, albeit a collective experience this time. It was akin to how I feel after reading the last page of an incredible book. The feeling of awe as I allow the pages to fall back between the covers.

Perhaps this moment, the experience at the end of the production was meant to be since the play is based on the novel by Chaim Potok, adopted for the stage by Aaron Posner and Potok. Posner also directs an extraordinarily talented cast – four individuals, two father and son duos, whose relationships are portrayed with great affection and complexity. Eli Mayer plays Reuven Malter, a role that also allows him to break the fourth wall and narrate aspects of the story for the audience. Mayer is perfect as an engaging storyteller, loyal friend, and devoted son. Steve Routman plays his father, David Malter, a man whose persistence is unwavering. Malter’s calm, steady demeanor is contrasted by that of Reb Saunders, played by Ron Orbach, whose expressions fluctuate from tacit to tumultuous, all equally emotionally charged. Meanwhile, Saunders’ son, Danny, played by Hillel Rosenshine, struggles to connect with his father as he, himself, tries to find and pave his own path.

There was some laughter and a gasp here and there, but mostly there was silence throughout the show. Contemplation. There is so much to consume and consider. The story is steeped in history and both Hasidic and Conservative Jewish traditions, and thankfully the script is patient and not patronizing. The relationships between fathers and sons and between friends are complex, and the emotions are deep and intense.

The production overtly begs the question, “Are we capable of handling more than one truth at a time?” and challenges us to do so. In the second act, there comes a line: “The heart speaks through silence.” Even though I would generally question the truth of this sentiment, I also think I experienced it Friday evening at the Milwaukee Rep.

The Chosen is impeccable theater, from the scenic design (Daniel Conway), lighting (Noele Stollmack), and sound (Joshua Schmidt), to the astonishing performances. It is truly a must-see.

To step into the Quadracci Powerhouse is to step into another world and, for a moment, step away from our world in a quest to see it more clearly, with more compassion and understanding. The Milwaukee Rep continues to be a beacon of hope and a guide towards progress.

★★★★★

The Chosen, presented by the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, plays now through March 31. The show runs 2 hours and 15 minutes and includes one intermission.

Saturdays – 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sundays – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Tuesday, March 12 – 6:30 p.m.
Wednesdays, Thursdays – 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday matinees March 20, 27 – 1:30 p.m.
Fridays – 8 p.m.

Special dates include:
Audio-Described Performance – Tuesday, March 12 @ 6:30 p.m.
Bus Matinee Performance – Wednesday, March 20 @ 1:30 p.m.
ASL Performance – Thursday, March 21 @ 7:30 p.m.
Captioned Performance – Sunday, March 31 @ 2 p.m.

Post-Show Panel: An Exploration of Jewish Identities – Tuesday, March 12

A Dinner Dialogue Series event will be held on Monday, March 25 at the Friendship Circle of Wisconsin. Visit milwaukeerep.com for more information.

Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased online at milwaukeerep.com, by calling the Ticket Office at 414-224-9490, or in-person at 108 E. Wells Street in downtown Milwaukee.

Prepaid parking can also be purchased online for $11.

The future is on its way!