Tom Stoppard’s new play Rock’n’Roll is fantastic. He examines Communism, consciousness, and love, while looking at Czechoslovakia under the Soviet power using rock’n’roll music to help define the eras. I have to confess that I was worried when I went to the show. Not only do I know very little about Czechoslovakia under Communist rule, I don’t know much about rock music. (I’m more of an NPR listener.) It didn’t matter at all. The play is so beautifully written and acted, that you don’t need to have any previous knowledge.
The play is too rich to explain in a few short sentences, so I am only going to give you the bare bones. The plot focuses around Jan (Rufus Sewell), a rock music-loving Czech student studying in England. His professor, Max, is a firm believer in Communism. When the Soviets take over Czechoslovakia, Jan returns to his homeland, even though his government suggested he stay. The rest of the play spans the twenty-years until the Soviets leave.
Yet, for all of the politics in the play, this is also a love story. We see several different kinds of relationships and ways of caring in the play. What particularly awes me is that the love story, between Jan and Esme (Max's daughter), is barely there. It’s only shown in a few moments, with no major dialogue referring to it; yet, I was on the edge of my seat at the end of the play waiting to see how this subtle storyline would resolve.
The play cuts from scene to scene as the years go by. Set pieces change and the actors change costumes, even hairstyles, but the time flies because during each transition a song plays, while the information about the song (title, musicians, recording date, etc.) play across the front of the stage.
The cast is brilliant. Rarely do I see an entire cast that acts so well. Brian Cox and Rufus Sewell are terrific. Sinead Cusack is particularly amazing playing Eleanor (Max's wife) in one act and Esme, the daughter, in the next.
Yet, for all of the politics in the play, this is also a love story. We see several different kinds of relationships and ways of caring in the play. What particularly awes me is that the love story, between Jan and Esme (Max's daughter), is barely there. It’s only shown in a few moments, with no major dialogue referring to it; yet, I was on the edge of my seat at the end of the play waiting to see how this subtle storyline would resolve.
The play cuts from scene to scene as the years go by. Set pieces change and the actors change costumes, even hairstyles, but the time flies because during each transition a song plays, while the information about the song (title, musicians, recording date, etc.) play across the front of the stage.
The cast is brilliant. Rarely do I see an entire cast that acts so well. Brian Cox and Rufus Sewell are terrific. Sinead Cusack is particularly amazing playing Eleanor (Max's wife) in one act and Esme, the daughter, in the next.
The run time on this show is long – 2 hours and 45 minutes – but I have to tell you that the time flew by. When the first act was over I looked at my watch in complete surprise. I guessed that I had been there maybe 45 minutes, and it had been an hour and a half. I was so entranced by Rock’n’Roll that I not only didn’t notice the length, I didn’t want it to end. There are tickets available to this. I’m guessing people are intimidated by the author or the title, but you should go. Rock’n’Roll is only here until the spring and you should see it while you have the chance. It’s interesting, thought-provoking, funny, and warm. And it has a great soundtrack.