‘Old Wicked Songs’ teaches us about ourselves and each other

Music can build bridges. Its universal language connects people of various ages and walks of life, which is evident in the engrossing “Old Wicked Songs,” now playing at the New Jewish Theatre.

This carefully constructed drama by Jon Marans demonstrates the ability of music and lyrics to teach us about ourselves and each other.

The play, set in Austria in 1986, take us on a winding path between two distinctive personalities, artists who have lost their way, for different reasons.

Enriched by the two leading characters’ virtuoso performances, this complex portrait of artists at crossroads incorporates the poetry of Heinrich Heine and the music of Robert Schumann.

Jerry Vogel is Professor Mashkan, a musician and mentor, and Will Bonfiglio is student Stephen Hoffman, an American piano prodigy who is “stuck.” He wants to study lyrics in order to make him a better musician.

The effort they have put into defining their roles is obvious, in addition to the music elements — they play piano admirably and sing the complicated but rewarding “Dichterleibe” song cycle.

Director Tim Ocel seamlessly moves the men through the joy, sadness, anger and redemption expressed in the music.

The 1986 time frame is purposeful, too, for that is when Kurt Waldheim runs for and is elected president of Austria. The controversial Waldheim, the former U.N. secretary general, was exposed late in his career for his hidden complicity in Nazi war crimes.

This deepens the story because Mashkan is a Holocaust survivor and Hoffman is Jewish. While visiting Munich, Stephen detours to the Dauchau concentration camp, which has a profound effect on him.

The relationship between these two proud, gifted, stubborn males — a complicated middle-aged man who’s seen all of life’s adversity, and an angry young man who doesn’t know why a rage is pent up inside him — is filled with friction and challenges.

But ultimately, they arrive at a better understanding of each other and the music. Mashkan’s passion is re-ignited and Hoffman’s emotional journey is life-changing.

Practically another character is the music, and Jeffrey Richard Carter’s music direction is flawless. Each scene ends with a section of the “Dichterliebe,” and it is poignant, soaring and inspirational.

Mashkan is right, of course. We need both joy and sadness to appreciate life.

Set designer Dunsi Dai, sound designer Robin Weatherall, lighting designer Maureen Berry and prop work by Kyra Bishop provide exceptional elements to this richly textured production.

This heartfelt work’s words are poetic and lyrical, and the masterful creative team’s astute attention to detail allows us to connect emotionally.

This story was originally published April 1, 2016 at 2:48 PM with the headline "‘Old Wicked Songs’ teaches us about ourselves and each other."