"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."
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"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."
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"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."
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"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."
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"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."
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"'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."
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"'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."
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"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."
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