The Many Roles of BD Wong

John Reyes for AIA | October 7, 2008

Directed by Roger Rees and in the accompaniment of lyrist of Ellen Fitzburg and music by Skip Kennon, Herringbone, is a one man musical played by the multi-talented actor BD Wong.

He is well known for his award-winning performance in M. Butterfly. He has made numerous appearances in NBC’s Law and Order: SVU. He played a reverend in HBO’s Oz. He was part of the science team that brought dinosaurs to life in Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park and was the side-kick/Assistant of Martin Short’s character, Franc, in Father of the Bride and Father of the Bride 2. It is no doubt that actor BD Wong breathes talent and is a chameleon on stage and the silver screen. In his latest performance, Wong is possessed with and once again plays numerous roles in a one man musical, Herringbone.

Adapted from Tom Cone’s book and directed by Roger Rees, BD Wong is calm and composed, despite the hype and the air of opening night. Even before the show begins, he is seen on stage in his own little dressing room. The anticipation, whispers and questions arise from the audience. Some are not familiar with who he is, while others are there for work. He slowly assembles himself into character. First putting on his make-up, then his costume and lastly the microphone. He is in his own mental state, almost Zen-like, and not at all in a rush to begin the performance. He finally takes his last breath as a person and in a final exhale, he transforms into an actor. Finally the lights dim, the box-of-a-dressing room disappears and the revolving stage with a door comes in full circle. A small orchestra of three excites the audience with a very kilter show-tune introduction of the character George. BD Wong comes out the door and begins the show.

Narrated in modern day, Herringbone unveils a story of the Nookin family, who lives in Demopolis, Alabama, in their “It Was One of Those Years” type of experience. Set during the Great Depression era, the Nookin’s lives are about to change. At a time where money mattered, the family’s Uncle Billy dies and anxious married couple, Arthur and Louise, assume that they will receive a huge part of his assets only to find out that a good advice is all they got. As hope fails, faith is brought and focused to their son, Young George, and their attempt to make him a Hollywood star. With the prize money of $50 dollars from Young George’s “I Am An American” speech, the family dresses him up with a Herringbone suit and buys him classes to fulfill the family’s dream of wealth. He is introduced to Mr. Mosley who was once part of an act, the Chicken and the Frog. Mr. Mosley (the Chicken) trains Young George to be ready for Hollywood. Oddly enough, Young George finds is odd that he has ability to dance. Much to his knowledge, Young George’s talents come from within, literarily, as he is possessed with Lou’s (the Frog) spirit in order to take revenge of the Mr. Mosley. Using Young George body, the story takes a turn when the Frog chokes the Chicken to death. The Nookin family heads to Hollywood to flee. While in Hollywood the wrath of Lou’s spirit causes twists and turns. From seeing an old love interest to the Nookin family being torn apart, Young George’s faith is determined in the climax of the musical. Thus, the real question of is Lou haunted by his own emotion, does Young George although a child become a man in the end and to at price does fame really bring, are all answered in an emotional performance.

Wong’s portrayal of 10 other characters is nothing but a standing ovation. The actor dwells upon his own internal talents and it is his own passion that keeps the characters spirit alive. He does what the play asks him to do and ironically the audience is possessed by Wong’s ability. Much more can be said of the physicality he puts in to the characters in which without a doubt he is prepared for. Wong wears the suits of Herringbone in a finely tailored fashion. On a scale of one to ten BD Wong definitely played his part or rather his parts as eleven, so to speak.

Herringbone is playing at McCarter Theater in Princeton, NJ. The last performance of the show will be Sunday October 12, 2008 at 7:30pm. For more information regarding the showtimes and other inquiries please Click Here

Photos Courtesy of Lia Chang for more information on her work visit her website LIA CHANG