New York is experiencing an embarrassment of riches in terms of critically-acclaimed one-person shows. In addition to the currently-running A Boy and His Soul and the previewing The Lady with All the Answers, this week we see the Manhattan premieres of Wishful Drinking, Let Me Down Easy, and the spectacularly funny and phenomenally moving autobiographical play by Charlayne Woodard, The Night Watcher.

 

Charlayne Woodard (best-known to theatre audiences via the original Broadway company of Ain’t Misbehavin’ and her solo plays Pretty Fire, Neat and In Real Life) and her husband made a conscious choice not to have children of their own for a host of professional and personal reasons. Yet Woodard has become a godmother or honorary Auntie to countless kids, regardless of whether or she is actually related to them. “Isn’t it funny how if you’re married and have no children,” she says, “people try to give you theirs?”

Regardless, Woodard is the kind of woman any kid would be lucky to have in his life. With the energy and boundless enthusiasm of someone half her age (but the wisdom that comes with a number of years on this planet), the charismatic performer makes it clear why so many children – some surly, some broken-hearted, all in need of a confidante – find themselves drawn to her. Whether she is trying to break down their defenses, encourage them to reach higher than they think possible, or serve as a keeper of their secrets, Woodard’s tough, no-nonsense but loving maternal instinct shines through, despite her insistence that she doesn’t know if she could be what a good mother should be.

The Night Watcher is not all about Saint Charlayne, though. One of the many admirable things about the show is Woodard’s willingness to portray her prickly, occasionally selfish , uncertain side (does her little Maltese dog really need a luxurious winter coat?).

The show is directed sensitively by Daniel Sullivan (Twelfth Night in Central Park, Rabbit Hole, Proof), who masterfully guides the show from tears to raucous laughter. The designers, too, keep the focus on the heart of the show, with a simple raised platform and elegant projections with low-key sound effects serving the most remarkable special effects of all: Ms. Woodard and her story.

Despite many opportunities through adoption or otherwise to have her own children, Woodard eloquently defends her decision by saying “We need people to step into the gap and help those who are already here.” Brava, Charlayne Woodard. Bravo, The Night Watcher.

THE NIGHT WATCHER. September 22 – October 31, 2009 at Primary Stages at 59E59 Theaters, Space A, 59 East 59th Street. Tuesdays at 7pm, Wednesdays through Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 3pm and 7pm. Additional 2pm matinee on Wednesday, October 28. For tickets, call TicketCentral.com at (212) 279-4200 or visit www.primarystages.org..