Himself And Nora is currently being marketed as the “Greatest Love Story Ever Told”, and it is, in part, because it is like every love story. This musical’s magic thrives in its humanity. Its majesty is in that the story and characters are like the everyday ones you meet.
The musical is based on the real life love story of James Joyce, Irish writer of the classic Ulysses, and Nora Barnacle. Joyce is a Jekyll/ Hyde figure whom can go from sweet sultriness to insecure arrogance. Nora is a strong woman, but has the tendency to weaken to Joyce’s coy plays on her emotions. Yet, it is undeniable the the two love each other, which makes the chemistry between Matt Bogart (James Joyce) and Whitney Bashor (Nora Barnacle) realistic. Thus, you understand why Nora is so self-sacrificing for Joyce’s dreams and own genius. These are two people that have created an unconditional, unbreakable bond that we all dream of finding in a partner.
Bashor is excellent as Nora. She oozes feminine beauty and resilience, and has a piercingly clear voice that could be confused for crystal. You want to applaud her when she stands up to Joyce’s antics and hold her when she is broken by them. There is, definitely, a part of you that wishes time had been friendlier to women in the early 1900’s. It is clear that Nora is quick-witted and perseverant, to which Joyce finds his inspiration and literal words for his literature. Hence, the musical’s emphasis on women’s second class citizenship is important and an oddly saddening note. You have to wonder if, in another time, Nora’s own genius would have allowed her to grow into her own career as a writer. Throughout the musical, she is remarked and praised as the woman behind Joyce, but the audience knows that she is the one guiding him. He never would have been able to sustain his drive, to become the acclaimed writer he desired, had it not been for Nora’s resounding faith in both him and life. For all the odds against her, she never gives up her fight and smile. Thankfully, Bashor elevates that wondrous human quality in Nora.
I always love when we see a movie or play about historical figures and are revealed surprising notes of their character. Like most writers of his time and genius, Joyce was an arrogant fellow, but also an emotionally needy one. He tussled between moments of self-aggrandizement and absolute desolation, to which Nora stood by for each. Yet, is it clear that Joyce was not a bad man, but he also was not the best one. Bogart is strong and charismatic in assuring that for all Joyce’s vices and flaws, you manage to see something to love in him. This helps the audience believe in Nora’s reasoning for staying with this complicated man. Moreover, the incredibly talented cast aids in keeping a continuous sense of lightness and joy to this musical.
Lianne Marie Hobbs, Michael McCormick, and Zachary Prince are dynamic and oddly steal the show with their ability to create multiple, distinct characters. You are in awe of their memorability and consistently vast energy. Whether she is Sylvia Beach or Lucia Joyce, Dobbs in unstoppable in her capacity to embody nearly 10 different human beings in the musical’s two hours. Add that the music is charming and fun, while the stage intimate, and Himself and Nora makes for a perfect off-broadway show. It gives you a few hours of delightful escapism, while lessons on the beautiful yet harsh truths of love.
I found Himself and Nora to be fresh and pleasant. The music and lyrics of Jonathan Brielle and the directorial choices of Michael Bush assert that the greatness of this love story is vulnerable and leaves every viewer’s heart open. Moreover, it is undeniable in its enthrall. You want to see how these two people fell in love, and maintained that passion for each other throughout the decades. They never fell out of love, even after Joyce’s death. As you see their love story grow within a two hour span, you remember that love is the core to life. It is something we all want and need. The casual magnitude of that fact is reiterated through this musical like, a golden thread.
For tickets or more information on this lovely show, Click Here. Himself and Nora will be playing until September, and hopefully more. It is a 2 hour musical with a 10 minute intermission. It is currently playing in The Minetta Lane Theatre located in 18 MINETTA LANE, NEW YORK, NY 10012. ENJOY!
