Theatre Review: “Ernest Shackleton Loves Me” And I Love Him Back
Ernest Shackleton Loves Me might be the most full-fledged optimistic musical I have ever seen. Now optimism is not an easy sell these days, especially when positivity is presented as delusional or unrealistic. Yet, what makes Ernest Shackleton infectiously bright is its lead character’s basis on the real life explorer; whose own harrowing tale of survival and leadership in a two year course through the Antarctic would push anyone to ponder their own perseverance. Thus, seeing a historical figure bring light and love to a Brooklyn single mom in this fantastical musical was the exact uplift the crowd did not know they needed.
Val Vigoda is both the protagonist, Kat, and lyricist for this wonderful musical. Playing electrical violin throughout the 90 minute show, she is a non-stop beacon of raw energy and a sincere portrayal of a tired, single mom. Being a single parent is not easy, and the guilt of, sometimes, not wanting the burdens that come with this role is not often spoken, at least, not honestly. As Kat tries to figure out how to keep her dreams, child, spirit economy, and idea of finding a good man afloat, you 100% feel her pain. Vigoda easily builds empathy for her charming, resilient character who discovers how strong she is and has been through her dream relationship with Ernest Shackleton. Traveling space and time to find the woman who soundtracked the game, “Star Invaders”, i.e. Kat, Shackleton takes her through his 1917 expedition to Antartica on a ship befittingly tilted Endurance. Hearing Shackleton’s true story mixed and meshed with the very real scenarios of Kat’s monetary, maternal, and heartfelt struggles showed that you do need to be, literally, stranded in nowhere to feel as such. The ironic and insightful comparison plays beautifully and shows, whether you are literally or figuratively “ship-wrecked”, what matters is that you are spiritually perseverant. Wade McCollum as Ernest Shackleton is the right man to bring such a wise truth to light.
McCollum, literally, plays every male role in the musical, from Kat’s ex-boss to her ex-lover, and fulfills them with a nuance and newness that distinguishes them from his titular part as Shackleton. He is hilarious, determined, charming, and makes you believe that having faith in yourself is not a “make-believe” idea. So many times, the optimistic leader is tossed as foolish, but McCollum uses Shackleton as the epitomized embodiment that the only fool is the one who has no faith in himself. It is, absolutely, shocking that Shackleton survived his two-year, stranded ordeal in Antartica, and a proof of his indelible character that he assured the survival of all 22 of his men. He never gave up, even though he wanted to, and through his bond with Kat, you realize it is normal to want to throw in “the towel, but it is virtuous in not doing so. As you grow to be inspired that Kat is surviving, as well, from all the odds against her, the music by Brendan Milburn and directing of Lisa Peterson grows heftier in emotional weight. Both Vigoda and McCollum have piercingly clear ranges that allow them to scale the epic narrative of Milburn’s music. He clearly knows how to make a score that emanates the adventure of this tale, of which Alexander V. Nichols’ production design and Robert Kaplowitz’s sound design make a singular set feel like it is both Brooklyn 2017 and Antartica 1917. Such an interchange, again, would not be possible without Peterson’s direction and the fabulous duo/ casting of Vigoda and McCollum, who earned cheers and a standing ovation for their performance. To See Ernest Shackleton Loves Me at the Second Stage Theatre, playing until June 11, Click Here. The Tony Kiser Theatre is located on 305 West 43rd Street New York, NY.
