Ethan Slater in Marcel on the Train

Before achieving global fame as a mime, Marcel Marceau participated in a clandestine operation during the early 1940s, assisting in the rescue of Jewish children from Nazi-occupied France. This little-known chapter of Marceau’s life forms the basis of Marcel on the Train, a new Off-Broadway play by Ethan Slater and Marshall Pailet. However, according to a recent review, the play struggles to translate a compelling historical footnote into a dramatically satisfying theatrical experience.

A Life Beyond Mime

The play centers on Marceau’s efforts to entertain and protect a group of twelve-year-old children as they attempt to escape danger. Actor Ethan Slater, known for his roles in SpongeBob SquarePants and the upcoming Wicked films, showcases his physical acting abilities in the role. The children are portrayed by adult actors, including Max Gordon Moore as Adolphe, Alex Wyse as Henri, Tedra Millan as Berthe, and Maddie Corman as Etiennette, the latter of whom remains entirely silent throughout the production.

Did You Know? Marcel Marceau used mime not as a performance art, but as a practical tool to quiet children during their escape from Nazi-dominated France.

Staging and Narrative Challenges

Marcel on the Train primarily unfolds within the confines of a single train car. Director Marshall Pailet utilizes staging and lighting by Studio Luna to create visual variety. Despite these efforts, the play suffers from a lack of genuine suspense. The audience is informed from the outset that both Marceau and the children will survive, thanks to a series of flash-forwards, including one set in Vietnam. Attempts to manufacture tension, such as a nonsensical interrogation scene with a Nazi soldier portrayed by Aaron Serotsky, fall flat.

A Familiar Routine

The play culminates in Slater’s recreation of Marceau’s early mime routine, “Bip and the Butterfly,” which was inspired by a scene from the film All Quiet on the Western Front. While the performance provides a moment of quiet reflection, it doesn’t fully achieve the emotional resonance intended by the creators. The play runs for one hour and forty minutes without an intermission.

Expert Insight: The challenge of adapting a historical event with a predetermined outcome lies in creating dramatic stakes. When the audience knows the characters will survive, the narrative must focus on the emotional and psychological journeys, rather than relying on suspenseful plot twists.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Marcel Marceau’s role during World War II?

Before becoming a famous mime, Marcel Marceau was part of the French Jewish Resistance, helping to smuggle children out of Nazi-dominated France. He used mime to keep the children quiet during their escape.

Who stars in Marcel on the Train?

Ethan Slater stars as Marcel Marceau, alongside Tedra Millan, Alex Wyse, Max Gordon Moore, Aaron Serotsky, and Maddie Corman.

Where is Marcel on the Train being performed?

Marcel on the Train is being performed at the Classic Stage Company on Off-Broadway.

Given the play’s focus on a remarkable, yet ultimately known, historical event, how does the creative team balance historical accuracy with dramatic license?