“All The World’s a Stage” is a new Off-Broadway musical by Adam Gwon, which is being performed at Theatre Five in New York City’s Theatre Row. It will run through May 10th, 2025.
Directed by Jonathan Silverstein, the cast includes Eliza Pagelle, Jon-Michael Reese, Matt Rodin, and Elizabeth Stanley.
As a gay high school mathematics teacher in small-town 1990s America, Ricky Alleman knows exactly what part he needs to play. When an offbeat student enlists his help to win a statewide theater competition, his efforts tangle with the local church and Ricky’s carefully compartmentalized life starts to unravel.
“All the World’s a Stage” was commissioned and developed by Keen Company (where Jonathan Silverstein serves as the Artistic Director) over a three-year process.
All the actors are remarkable in their roles, especially Matt Rodin who is a powerhouse as Ricky, an effervescent Eliza Pagelle as the rebellious Sam (a senior high school student), an appealing Elizabeth Stanley as the school secretary Dede, and Jon-Michael Reese, who is a revelation as Michael.
Adam Gwon deserves to be commended for his writing and for bringing this unflinching story to life. It is so personal to him that the audience members are bound to find it relatable. The same holds true for Jonathan Silverstein and his meticulous direction.
The musical arrangements and orchestrations are stirring and resonant, and they help elevate the show to a higher level.
The Verdict
Overall, “All The World’s a Stage” is an impressive and invigorating new musical about forming connections and relationships, as well as staying authentic, and being original and true to ourselves even in a precarious world; moreover, it is an exploration and a study of human conditions.
There is a rawness, intimacy, and sincerity and to this musical, which will leave the audience drenched in a wide spectrum of conflicting emotions.
Its subject matter is timely and relevant, and it’s a story that needs to be experienced by all.
This is a cohesive show that belongs on the Broadway stage, and it will spark conversations among viewers. “All the World’s a Stage” garners four out of five stars. Well done.
To learn more about “All the World’s a Stage,” visit the Keen Company official website.
Read More: Adam Gwon interview link.
