Theater Review: And God Created Great Whales

Photo by Steven Gunther.

And God Created Great Whales
Created, Composed, Written by Rinde Eckert
Directed by David Schweizer
Starring Rinde Eckert and Nora Cole


Entering the theater you notice at once the lone figure of Rinde Eckert sitting at a cluttered piano, already in character before the lights even dim.  He is hunched over scribbling on a piece of paper.  It's our first glimpse of Nathan, a man losing his mind trying to finish his life's work (an opera based on Moby Dick) before everything just falls away.

When the lights die down and the show begins, we truly meet Nathan as he listens to a cassette tape explaining his condition and what he is to do that day.  Rewind the tape, finish the opera.  Finish The Opera seems to be all that Nathan has left and he needs his muse (played exquisitely by Nora Cole) to do it.

What follows is just over an hour of beautiful music, riveting performances, and even laughter.  The songs are at times deeply haunting and moving, most especially near the shows end.  Together, Eckert and Cole are a match made in heaven.  Their voices complementing each other perfectly.   Both have dynamic ranges that just fill the room.  Eckert sounded mesmerizing when he was hitting the higher notes at times.

Photo by Steven Gunther.

I was truly in awe of both of these performers but I have to say that Nora Cole really is a scene stealer.  She was brilliant and really gave us a deep and layered performance. 

I really enjoyed the show but on the way home discussion brought on a certain revelation.   The show concentrates a bit too much on Nathan the artist and not enough on Nathan the man.  I feel like the emotional impact would be stronger had we spent more time with him when he wasn't performing the opera as he wrote it.  More with him deteriorating, struggling to hold on to what he was even as he spirals towards whatever fate has in store for him.  That really would be my only complaint.

This was my first REDCAT show and I already know I'll be back to see more.  If you're looking for an evening of fascinating theater look no further than And God Created Great Whales.  It really is an experience and a showcase for two incredible talents.

And God Created Great Whales
Performances through January 29

REDCAT
Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater
Located in the Walt Disney Concert Hall complex
631 West 2nd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213 237-2800

Photo by Steven Gunther.