"DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES" REVIEW: ROMANCE ON THE ROCKS
The classic 1962 movie tells the story of a relationship buckling under the weight of addiction. The new Broadway adaptation stars Kelli O'Hara and Brian d'Arcy James as a midcentury-modern couple free-falling through the depths of alcoholism. The show—a tale of two drunks and their dangerous passage through the years—stays emotionally plausible because it never allows itself to burst into melodrama.
Kelli O'Hara and Brian d'Arcy James star in “Days of Wine and Roses,” the musical adaptation of the 1962 film about a couple undone by their addiction to alcohol. The new Adam Guettel-Craig Lucas musical will now close on March 31, a month earlier than originally planned at Studio 54 on Broadway. Despite the early closure, rush tickets will still be available on TodayTix for the remainder of the run.
For a story about the messy implosion of two lives, there's a stultifying neatness to Days of Wine and Roses. It double-underlines its metaphors, emphasizing the destructive nature of addiction in a way that feels almost too tidy for such a chaotic subject matter. However, the performances by O'Hara and James are nothing short of superb, capturing the raw emotion and turmoil of their characters' journey.
As the curtain falls on Days of Wine and Roses, audiences are left with a poignant reminder of the destructive power of addiction and the toll it takes on relationships. The Broadway production, with its midcentury-modern aesthetic and haunting musical score, offers a compelling exploration of love, loss, and the struggle for redemption.
The musical adaptation of Days of Wine and Roses may be coming to a close sooner than expected, but its impact will linger in the hearts of those who have experienced its powerful storytelling. The themes of addiction and redemption resonate with audiences, reminding us of the fragility of human relationships and the strength it takes to overcome personal demons.
In a world where addiction is often romanticized or sensationalized, Days of Wine and Roses offers a starkly realistic portrayal of the devastating effects of alcoholism on individuals and their loved ones. The Broadway production confronts the darkness head-on, refusing to sugarcoat the harsh realities of addiction while still finding moments of beauty and hope amidst the chaos.
The final performance of Adam Guettel and Craig Lucas's Days of Wine and Roses at Studio 54 will mark the end of a thought-provoking and emotionally charged journey through the complexities of love and addiction. As the curtain falls on this powerful production, audiences are left with a renewed appreciation for the fragility of human relationships and the resilience of the human spirit.
