Bruce Nozick, Tobias Echeverria, Robert Lesser (Photo by James Morris)
Reviewed by G. Bruce Smith
Pacific Resident Theatre
Through April 21
Nikolai Gogol’s The Overcoat, published in 1842, was described by Vladimir Nabokov as “the greatest Russian short story ever written.” Adaptations of this classic work have been turned into more than 20 films, plays, radio plays and ballets in several languages. A 1955 film adaptation, entitled The Bespoke Overcoat and based on Wolf Mankowitz’s reimagining for the stage even won an Oscar.
Written in 1953, Mankowitz places his version in the Jewish East End of London. Fender (Harry Herman) is an elderly clerk who has worked for decades in a clothing warehouse. He is scorned by his boss Ranting (Bruce Nozick), who is uncaring when Fender complains about working in the cold warehouse. He decides he wants his coat mended, but his old friend Morry (Robert Lesser), the tailor, says it is beyond salvaging. He persuades Fender to purchase a new bespoke (made for a particular customer) overcoat at a discounted price. Fender is so poor that he cannot afford a new one, but decides to save up for it, and is excited as he anticipates his new article of clothing, which might give him some agency. But life will take a turn for him.
Research about Gogol’s short story indicates a much more intricate plot and deeper character development than is found in Mankowitz’s adaptation. Clearly, it’s a challenge to turn a piece of prose into action driven by dialogue, but it would have been a more satisfying theatrical experience if Mankowitz had been able to capture the complexities of the short story.
Despite some sluggish pacing (direction by Marilyn Fox and Dana Jackson), Herman and Lesser are charming as they portray the loving friendship of Jewish elders. And the story is enhanced by a well-designed set (Rich Rose) that felt authentic as a 1950s tailor shop center stage and an apparel warehouse stage right. Also noteworthy is the use of music (sound design by Chris Moscatiello) that evoked Jewish culture.
In the end, however, The Bespoke Overcoat failed to engage me. It was as threadbare as the ragged coat worn by Fender that he sought to replace.
Pacific Resident Theatre, 703 Venice Blvd., Venice; Thur.-Sat., 8 pm., Sundays 3 pm; pacificresidenttheatre.org. Running time: 80 minute with no intermission.
