Natasha and the Coat |BAPF

Natasha and the Coat by Deborah Stein is a deeply moving tale of cultural clash. Natasha is an intern at an upscale clothing retail store in Brooklyn, NYC. The play chronicles her interaction with the Hasidic Jewish family who lives below her and rents her a room. Because this is part of the Playwright's festival, it was only a reading and not a full production, however it was still possible to see some great working being done.

The direction was subtle, but what Sean Daniels was able to accomplish was a beautiful reading. A fairly simplistic staging with the actors behind music stands allowed the actors the freedom to actually act instead of being hampered by remembering complex stage direction. In the 12 hours of rehearsal accomplished before its first reading, Daniels created a visually appealing experience without taking away from the amazing script that Stein provided.

The script is subtle, but beautiful in is intricate writing. Many of the touching moments come between the plays main two characters, Natasha and the young Jewish man who runs the dry cleaning shop. Their relationship is beautiful and poignant and pushes the young Hadsid to expand his horizons, and appreciate tradition for its truths instead of the useless reason of "because his parents taught him that way." His story is similar to one that might be read in the writings of Chaim Potok, and Steins plot is just as beautiful as Potok's in Asher Lev.
The acting was, Brilliant. Lead by young actress Danielle Levin and up and coming star Jonathan Bock. Their onstage chemistry was incredible and drug the audience along for the hour and a half ride. At the end of the show, the audience was left wanting more, which is exactly how an audience should be left.