PARK AVENUE ARMORY

Starring Bobby Carnavale

Eugene O'Neill's expressionistic portrayal of class divides in the industrial age arrives at the Armory in a stunning new production. The venue's performance space has been transformed, with the audience occupying a central seating area while the stage revolves around them as the play progresses. It's an original approach, matching the inventive direction of Richard Jones, who helmed the show during its acclaimed 2015 run at London's Old Vic, and sets the action against a sparse, factory set, bathed in neon lights.

Leading this production as Yank, a brutish laborer who rebels against his upper class oppressors, is two-time Tony nominee Bobby Carnavale (Mauritus, Blue Jasmine), last seen Off-Broadway in White Rabbit, Red Rabbit.

WHAT IS THE HAIRY APE ABOUT?

Yank is a muscle-bound laborer working as a stoker on a transatlantic ocean linear. He revels in his work and takes pride in the knowledge that he essential to keeping this gargantuan machine operating. His confidence is rattled however when a tycoon's daughter comes below deck, and faints at the sight of him, just managing to call him a "filthy beast!" before she collapses. Yank is infuriated by the insult, and upon landing in New York a few weeks later, makes it his mission to avenge himself against the upper classes.