Welcome to a new frontier in entertainment storytelling. In a world inundated with reviews and critiques do you ever find yourself overwhelmed?

Musical theater specifically always made me feel this way until I learned to give myself more information about the show the story and the music beforehand. I found that this made watching a play a musical or even some movies more enjoyable.

Here’s the twist: I’m not here to simply review performances, dissect plotlines or reveal spoilers. Instead, we’re diving deep into the art of watching itself. Think of it as a guidebook to unlocking the full potential of your viewing experience.

“Red”

The New Jewish Theatre is preparing to open the third show of its 26th season. “Red” opens July 25 and runs through Aug. 11.

Plot basics

“Red,” by John Logan, is a play about the abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko and his young assistant Ken.

Set in Rothko’s New York studio during 1958-1959, it explores the creation of murals for the Four Seasons restaurant. Rothko struggles with the commercialization of his art seeing the project as a chance for a profound creation.

The play delves into their intense mentor-mentee relationship marked by deep discussions about art and the rise of pop artists like Andy Warhol. “Red” portrays the passion and turmoil of the artistic process reflecting on the nature of art and the artist’s role.

Who are the characters?

Mark Rothko: A passionate and intense abstract expressionist, painter Rothko is dedicated to his craft but deeply conflicted about the commercialization of art. His volatile personality and high standards drive his mentorship of Ken reflecting his struggle with relevance and artistic integrity.

Ken: Rothko’s young assistant Ken begins as an eager learner but gradually gains confidence and challenges Rothko’s views. His evolving perspective on art and his own traumatic past shape his dynamic relationship with Rothko highlighting themes of growth and independence.

What to know before you go

This is all based on true accounts of Rothko’s time creating his famous Seagram murals.

“John Logan has done a wonderful job dramatically recreating that process and time and revealing information about Rothko and his style of painting and process through the lens of his relationship with a fictionalized assistant” said New Jewish Theatre’s Artistic Director Rebekah Scallet.

In reality Rothko had several assistants during his time creating the murals and the character Ken is something of an amalgam of those.  So while Ken is fictional everything else that is discussed and happens comes from the actual history.  

Themes in “Red”

“Red” explores the intersection of art and commerce questioning if something can truly be art if created for a commercial purpose. Rothko’s internal conflict is over creating murals for the Four Seasons restaurant highlighting the tension between maintaining artistic integrity and achieving commercial success. Can an artist stay true to their vision amidst fame and financial pressures?

A key theme to watch for is the evolving mentor-mentee relationship. Rothko initially sets strict boundaries with Ken stating, “I am not your rabbi, I am not your father, I am not your shirnk, I am not your friend, I am not your teacher – I am your employer.”   Over two years their relationship deepens illustrating the complex interplay between authority and personal connection.

The recurring question: “What do you see?” The play challenges viewers to consider their responses to Rothko’s work and invites contemplation on the act of seeing itself and what it reveals about the artist and the observer.

How you’ll see the play

The NJT’s wonderful Black Box Theatre really supports and enhances the performance.

“Our amazing scenic designers Margery and Peter Spack have done extensive research into what Rothko’s actual Bowery studio looked like to create our version down to the empty ‘Chock Full of Nuts’ cans that littered his space,” said Scallet. “That combined with the natural intimacy and closeness truly puts the audience inside of Rothko’s studio with him and Ken.

The theater will also be in a “corner thrust” configuration. This puts audiences on two sides of the set, connecting you to the two men in the show and the two halves of their arguments as they volley statements back and forth.

Special events for “Red”

NJT is hosting three special events alongside its production of John Logan’s “Red.” These events aim to provide deeper insights into the life and work of abstract expressionist painter Rothko complementing the themes explored in the play.

St. Louis Art Museum Docent Bill Sitzer – Sunday, July 28

Following the 2 p.m. performance on Sunday, July 28, Bill Sitzer, a docent at the St. Louis Art Museum, will give a post-show presentation and Q&A session.

“There’s so much fascinating history surrounding Rothko that I thought our audiences would enjoy expanding their knowledge base” said Scallet.

Sitzer will discuss Rothko’s evolution as an artist and his creation of the famous Seagram Murals featured in “Red.” His extensive knowledge of Rothko’s life and art will provide valuable context for the audience.

Rabbi James Stone Goodman – Saturday, Aug. 3

After the 4 p.m. performance on Saturday, Aug. 3, Rabbi James Stone Goodman of Central Reform Congregation will speak about Rothko in the context of “The 10,” a collective of poor, mostly Eastern European Jewish immigrant artists. Goodman’s insights into Rothko’s early influences and the collective’s impact will offer a unique perspective on Rothko’s formative years.

Scenic Designer Margery Spack – Saturday, Aug. 10

At 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, scenic designer Margery Spack will share her research on Rothko’s Bowery Studio in New York City. She will discuss how she and her partner, Peter Spack, recreated this space for the NJT’s production. This presentation will take place in the Jewish Community Center’s meeting rooms A and B, providing an in-depth look at the artistic and practical considerations behind the set design.

“Red”

When: July 25-Aug. 11
Where: Wool Theatre. 2 Millstone Campus Dr.
How much: $27-$58
Ticket Info: All tickets can be purchased online.