Vincent
Starry Night Theater presents the late Leonard Nimoy's one-act solo show about the legacy of Vincent Van Gogh, as told by his brother.
... Read moreVincent Van Gogh's brother, Theo, defends his famous sibling's legacy at a gathering of friends and colleagues. Theo is not interested in telling the small story of the demise of one man. Rather, he argues the bigger meaning and significance of his brother’s life to all humankind. As seen through the eyes of Theo, Vincent van Gogh lives on as a symbol of inspiration, courage, passion, and the lust for life that art kindles in all of us.
- Official Site
- 1 hour and 25 minutes
- Already closed
- Theatre at St. Clement's (Midtown W)
Cast & Creatives (7)
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Reviews (40)
9 Critics' Reviews
"It's not a towering achievement of dramatic writing; though thoughtfully rendered, it's more educational on the page than it is affecting, and thus requires a riveting star to elevate it beyond that. It does, however, boast a smart construction...Such mechanics unfold well enough here under Brant Pope's direction...It's tough to avoid feeling that the story Briggs and Pope are telling is not entirely in sync with the one Nimoy wrote." Full Review
"If you’re searching for an example of genuine brotherly love, you don’t start with Cain and Abel. Perhaps the choicest place to look is Vincent and Theo Van Gogh...Briggs makes Theo a deeply sympathetic character. The man’s love for his conflicted brother is achingly delineated. As Theo’s portrait is projected, the impression is given that Briggs, helped by his beard, does resemble Theo somewhat." Full Review
"James Briggs with his light and expressive voice and nimble physicality gives a very engaging performance that holds attention. Mr. Briggs skillfully conveys emotion, humor and pathos during this biographical chronicle...Director Pope integrates the acting with the accomplished technical qualities yielding a fine theatrical experience...The tale of this tortured genius grappling with mental problems while creating hundreds of stunning works remains powerful." Full Review
"A stolid but empathetic production...The play, or more accurately Theo's animated lecture, is an extended tribute to his brother...Though this gathering is based on fact, under the direction of Dr. Brant Pope, it falls far short as drama...It would take an actor with more demonstrable resources than the otherwise affable Briggs can muster to bring to life...Unfortunately, humor is a notably missing element." Full Review
"Briggs has a thoughtful command of the material, as he portrays the responsible brother to the erratic artist...Theo is perceived at a distance as directed by Dr. Brant Pope. Pope chooses to keep the performance quite even, and takes time to elucidate the points of the painter’s life succinctly and without great fervor...Pope also relies on Vincent’s paintings to guide the storytelling. This is the best part of the show...The sheer number of images utilized in this production is impressive." Full Review
"'Vincent' is a play with such tragic beauty that it can’t be missed, however, even a play with a captivating story can be a bit lackluster...While Briggs gave an entertaining show, this particular performance on stage was not quite as captivating as the story being told itself...Fortunately, the show’s beauty, not only in Nimoy’s writing but also in the set design and music, shines through." Full Review
for a previous production "The original play, as written by Leonard Nimoy, divides the play into two sections, the first in which we learn about the artist from his brother Theo through their letters to each other, and the second in which Theo talks directly to the audience about Vincent. It is a simple dramatic device that makes Act One purely expository, and Act Two not only dramatic, but revelatory...Jim Briggs and 'Vincent' are a classic match of temperaments. His production is both enlightening and enjoyable." Full Review
for a previous production "'Vincent' is a memorable and moving production that will, without a doubt, kindle theatergoers' interest in van Gogh, the man, and inspire a fresh, new appreciation of his artistic works...Briggs' presentation is well-paced, and he maintains flawless characterization and engagement for the entire 85-minute production. 'Vincent's' excellent qualities also extend through to its stagecraft." Full Review
for a previous production "It’s hard to imagine Nimoy being more convincing than James Briggs, who gives a performance of quiet integrity. With help from director Brant Pope, Brooks draws our sympathy toward both brothers...The masterstroke of the show is that we see works projected on a screen at the back of the stage, including rare drawings." Full Review
31 Members' Reviews
See it if You like Vincent van Gogh and want to learn more about his art, his love, his life. You like Leonard Nimoy (yes, Spock) who created this.
Don't see it if You want a big splashy musical instead of a more introspective piece about a famous artist. You're bored by seeing only one person on stage.
See it if You know nothing about Vincent Van Gogh. You want to see an excellent but slightly pedantic solo person performance.
Don't see it if Have even a fleeting knowledge of VVG or unless you think dramatic staging is walking among tables picking up "letters" and reading them.
See it if You're a big Von Gogh fan.
Don't see it if You want to get more than a sensationalistic sense of who Van Gogh was. It felt very superficial to me.
See it if You love vincent van Gough and want to learn about his life
Don't see it if If you don't like monologs
See it if you are interested in learning about Van Gogh's life but too lazy to read his letters.
Don't see it if you've already read the letters. Because that's basically the whole play. The acting was really overwrought.
See it if you like solo performances about real life artist brought to life. Well acted with insight to the artist.
Don't see it if solo performances are hard to deal with. You need more action and movement on stage.
See it if You are a fan of Van Gogh and want to learn more about him...
Don't see it if You're not interested in Van Gogh's life and works...
See it if You are a fan of Van Gogh and would appreciate a detailed description of his personality especially his dark days and struggles.
Don't see it if you need narrative, plot, changes in tempo... or if you fall asleep easily... or if you are not a fan of "one-actor shows"
See it if You want to learn more about Van Gogh and enjoy an inside look at the life of a great painter.
Don't see it if Don't like Van Gogh, one man shows, and get tired easily at listening to 1 person.
See it if you get paid to go.
Don't see it if you respect yourself.
See it if you're interested in the history of Van Gogh, you like quiet, intimate productions
Don't see it if you're looking for originality,or something particularly profound. This is a rose-colored picture of a brother.
See it if you want to learn more (in a Wikipedia sort of way) than you think you know about van Gogh. Lacks humor and pathos but has good intentions.
Don't see it if you are hoping for real insight into Vincent van Gogh or his brother Theo.
See it if One man show tribute to Van Gogh by actor portraying his brother Theo; despite a heartfelt effort it was dull and failed to engage me.
Don't see it if I liked the ever changing, large scale projections of Van Gogh's paintings and drawings but the rest felt like a slow, boring lecture.
See it if i wish I could list "EXCRUCIATING" five times.
Don't see it if ...
See it if You have any interest in Van Gogh and don't mind a slower play with a one-man cast.
Don't see it if If you want to see something upbeat and energetic.
See it if you are a van Gogh fan. Lovely and touching story. Wonderful show and splendid theatrical experience.
Don't see it if lack patience.
See it if Vincent Van Gogh is a favorite artist, interested in his life, his relationship with brother Theo. Narration, explaination.
Don't see it if Story telling and one man show, slow moving is not your thing. Must have complete interest in Van Gogh.
See it if you are a fan of Vincent Van Gogh's work. It was little boring from the beginning but it became more and more interesting after.
Don't see it if you don't enjoy one man show
See it if You like Vincent Van Gogh, you like one-man shows
Don't see it if You want something flashy and fast paced
See it if You like one person shows with good acting and a clever script.
Don't see it if You don't care for one person shows.
See it if You are a big fan of Van Gogh, want to see slides of his work (familiar and not) and possibly learn more about him.
Don't see it if So-so acting, directing and writing at a slow place will annoy you.
See it if you want to relive the 90-minute ART101 lecture on Van Gogh and his works. It gets sort of interesting as you surrender urself to it halfway
Don't see it if you can't survive the first 20 minutes. The fact that it's a church theatre probably does not help either
See it if You want to learn about Vincent van Gogh's life. The show attempts to be something more than a history lesson but fails miserably.
Don't see it if You like good actors and stories. The story is underwhelming and boring. The actor constantly speaks in a reverent, grandiose tone.
See it if Great acting, educational and well done with scenery and costumes
Don't see it if you do not like one man shows
See it if A solid play but not an intensely profound exploration of Van Gogh's life. See it to be entertained, but don't expect profound insight.
Don't see it if You are looking for deep explanations as to why Van Gogh was who he was.