Mitchell Parrack’s Razz (currently playing at The Ochre House) is a distilled exploration of the life of choreographer Bob Fosse. Of course, that title doesn’t begin to explain Fosse’s astonishing career. He was also an actor, director, filmmaker and screenwriter. Fosse’s visionary approach to dance triggered a watershed that changed The Great White Way forever. Fosse choreographed countless Broadway musicals (including Pal Joey, Little Me, The Pajama Game, Chicago, Pippin and Cabaret) making his wife Gwen Verdon a star in the process. Verdon was absolutely his equal, often trading blow for blow. But sadly, like many geniuses before him, his repugnant behavior was too often indulged and tolerated.
Razz opens with Fosse verbally sparring with Bertolt Brecht. The two never actually knew each other, but Brecht influenced Fosse’s work. Next we see him jabbing and jibing with three women. Joan McCracken (second wife) Gwen Verdon (third wife) and Ann Reinking (paramour). He talks them through a dance number he’s designed, holding them to his notoriously demanding, meticulous style. What we are witnessing is a ritual that was probably repeated hundreds of thousands of times. We also meet Paddy Chayefsky, close friend and (we gather) confidante of Fosse’s. Chayefsky spends much time consoling Fosse and trying to guy him out of his perpetual guilt and despondency.
Parrack examines the downside of Fosse’s brilliance. His compulsive need to exorcise looming failure. We see Fosse’s gravitas, his turmoil, his disappointment in himself. It might have been a profound enhancement, I think, to express the sophisticated, sublime experience of Fosse’s talent, in some way or another. Fosse’s groundbreaking, provocative moves were breathtaking, and a river to gypsies throughout the theatre world. When we grasp how someone like Picasso, Hitchcock, Lennon, Einstein has made this rock we inhabit somehow better, we can maybe forgive their flaws. Forgive them for being a prick. Ochre House has a gift for crisp, minimal narratives. Like exquisite poetry, it captures the essence of this story, takes us to the core of its quandary.
The Ochre House presents Razz, written by Mitchell Parrack. Playing October 26th-November 16th, 2019. 825 Exposition Ave, Dallas, TX 75226. 214-826-6273. ochrehousetheater.org