Review – The Brothers Paranormal
The Brothers Paranormal is in its World Premiere at New York City’s Theatre Row. It is part of the Pan Asian Repertory’s 42nd Season. It is a ghost story with some tense scenes where an actor plays an apparition who does mean things. But the play has a lot more to it than a paranormal story. It probes into some issues that are often overlooked in today’s world. This review discusses only a few of those issues. Certain pieces of these issues need to be seen as they are revealed in the play to get the full impact.
The story is well thought out and written by playwright Prince Gomolvilas. He creates a story that is both appealing and surprising all in one show. He develops the characters slowly so that the role they play in the story comes out a step at a time. But as this happens, a light of recognition of the significance of their characterization brings in new understanding of what is taking place.
I’m one of those people who closes their eyes while watching a scary movie either on television or in a movie house when something frightening happens! But I always am assured that the screen is between me and the action. However that was not the case with The Brothers Paranormal. This show makes you feel like you are actually involved with apparitions and the spirit world beyond. It was only as the real story was revealed in the second act that I started to feel relaxed in my seat which was very close to the side curtain. I was on my guard that something might jump out there that I wasn’t expecting. What would have happened? Nothing except that my own sense of control might get loosened. And that is a good result of what this play does; it allows you to be open to issues that are “haunting” our society today. It won’t hurt you, it will let you look at them and gain some knowledge of their existence.
The Story
With direction by Jeff Liu, a strong cast of characters bring this impactful story to life. The cast includes Brian D. Coats as Felix, Natsuko Hirano as Jai, Vin Kridakorn as Max, Emily Kuroda as Tasanee, Dawn L.Troupe as Delia, and Roy Vongtama as Visarut.
The Brothers Paranormal begins with an appearance by a crazed “ghost” or apparition appearing on the stage which creates a stir right from the start. When the lights come on, the first brother, Max, is speaking to Delia. Max is from a family with a Thai background and Delia is African American woman. She has come to him to seek relief from a ghost who is haunting her in her home. Max is the salesperson for a business he and his brother Visarut run designed to investigate paranormal incidents.
Max tells Delia that he was friends with a boy at a summer camp who it turned out died 2 years before in the camp’s pool. He tells her this to get her thinking he has the ability to see the dead. She is reluctant so he tells her his job is to debunk ghost ideas. But he tells her this to prepare her for the truth. He next says there is something in her eyes that tells him this is real. She decides to hire him. She doesn’t want to be run out of her house. She and husband left their home because of Katrina and she doesn’t want to have to leave this home now too.
After Delia leaves, brother Visarut tells Max his story about the boy is from a Thai movie. He says that he conned her to which Max explains he had to do it to make his first sale in 6 months. They need the money.
The brothers arrive at the home of Delia and Felix, her husband, equipped with light sensitive camera equipment and audio taping methods. They set up the equipment and wait for an appearance. The ghost appears and but only Delia sees her. The scene is treacherous as the spirit unleashes her fury. As things settle down, Felix says he wants to speak with Max as he has some information he needs to know because they may be in danger. That conversation never takes place as Felix is hurt by the ghost and the first act ends.
Running along side of the story of Delia and Felix and the ghost is the story about Max and his family. His mother, Tasanee, is seen at several points during the show. She has conversations with Max trying to help him gain a better understanding of the Thai culture. Max is a child of Asian born parents who was born in the United States. His brother was born in Thailand and suffers the same feelings of being an outsider as his mother does. Although Max has the advantages of a fine college education, he lives with his mother and brother; both of whom had difficulties the previous year. There is no doubt that he cares deeply about both of them.
As discussions continue, Tasanee explains to Max that moving to U.S. was hard for her. Eventually Max realizes that she has been suffering from depression. He says Asian American women have the highest suicide rates. And from that, he is able to process some difficult concepts.
The play ends on a most unexpected note. A connection forms during the show between Max and Delia and it is furthered at the end. But there are many revelations before that happens. You need to see this show to find out what they are.
Themes Underlying the Story
Playwright Gomolvilas explains that the play has disparate themes: “the trauma of displacement (from one’s country of origin, from post-Katrina New Orleans, from the corporeal world); the high incidence of mental health issues among Asian immigrants; and the different ways in which people cope with incredible loss.” All of these are covered throughout the story and they weave all together.
Press notes include this quote from Director Jeff Liu about his thoughts on the play. “It is also a drama about how we deal with grief, complicated by family legacies of mental illness and depression. It‘s about two unlikely heroes, both members of embattled minorities in this country, who find a way to connect and support each other through the worst that life has to offer.”
The Brothers Paranormal gives an intense visit to the theater. It explores the horror genre involving ghosts and the supernatural But it also is an insightful look at how people deal with loss particularly that of their home. This show is a good one to see.
Additional Information About the Show
Running Time: Approx. 2 hours with one 10 minute intermission
Location: Beckett Theatre at Theatre Row, 410 W. 42nd Street, New York City
Performance Schedule: Tuesday – Friday at 7:30pm, Saturday at 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. The show runs through May 19, 2019.
To Get Tickets and More Information: Tickets may be purchased at www.telecharge.com, (212) 239-6200, or by visiting the box office. Group, senior and college discounts are available at www.TelechargeOffers.com.