SEARCH
NEW YORK CITY—It’s been said that “home is where the heart is.” This premise is one of the driving forces in “Copperfield! The New Musical.” Drawn from Charles Dickens’s novel “David Copperfield,” with book, music and lyrics by Jeffrey Scharf, the show is currently running off-Broadway at the Duke at 42nd Street.
In 19th-century England, the adult David Copperfield (Bobby Conte), now a successful novelist, tries to come to terms with painful memories as he attempts to put his own life story on paper. His life has been marked with soaring joy and crushing heartbreak.
A Tale Well Told
Born in the year 1835, young David (Calvin Knegten) lives happily with his widowed mother Clara (Cathyrn Wake) and their kindly housekeeper Peggotty (Ameila Cormack). But everything changes when his lonely mom decides to marry the dominating Mr. Murdstone (Will Reynolds). Murdstone is a fearful taskmaster who won’t hesitate to discipline anyone who doesn’t respect his authority.
David Copperfield (Bobby Conte) reflects on his life, in “Copperfield!” (Jeremy Daniel)It’s not long before David is packed off to boarding school, where he remains until Clara’s death. As soon as she passes, Murdstone, now his legal guardian, puts to work in a bottle factory. Yet through all the indignities he suffers, including being forced to wear a demeaning sign around his neck while at school, he also experiences flashes of hope. He develops strong friendships with fellow student J. Steerforth (Owen Squire Smith), and with his new landlord Mr. Micawber (Andy Taylor) and his loyal long-suffering wife (Cormack).
David also finds happiness with Peggotty and her extended family (Jed Feder, Nancy O’Connor, Alexander Sovronksy), whom he visits whenever he can, as well as safety with his aunt Betsey (Kara Mikula). To her great astonishment, Betsey becomes David’s protector and benefactor, even though she rejected him when he was born. She also introduces David to others who will figure heavily in his life, including Agnes Wickfield (Tatiana Wechsler).
“Copperfield!” is a tale that offers the possibility of a second chance, and with it, an almost spiritual redemption. Not everybody with the opportunity takes advantage of it. Those who do succeed to varying degrees. Scharf also seems to say to never rely on first impressions. That’s something David is often guilty of because he always sees the best in everyone. In fact, one friend who will soon cause David great shame preemptively asks that he be remembered only at his best.
(L–R) Henry Witcher and Bobby Conte in “Copperfield!” (Jeremy Daniel)A Well-Staged Show
Scharf does a wonderful job with the Dickens story, having actors playing multiple roles and also performing as the show’s orchestra. A key part of the work’s strength comes from the colorful characters it depicts, many of whom could be the focus of their own stories.
As far as the acting, Conte brings the adult David brilliantly to life, showing him to be an anguished soul who must come to terms with his past in order to move forward.
Taylor is a lot of fun as the lovable scoundrel Micawber, who can charm all but his creditors yet maintains certain ethical lines he won’t cross. The bouncy number “Something Will Turn Up” highlights the character’s perennial cycle of hope and then despair as he struggles out of his latest predicament. Also delightful is the entire Peggotty clan, every member being fully formed with distinct personalities and desires.
Cathryn Wake and Bobby Conte in “Copperfield!” (Jeremy Daniel)Mikula brings an unexpected depth to Betsey. At first glance she’s an overbearing busybody but quickly shows herself to be nobody’s fool. She’s also more than willing to help those who turn up at her door. Dora (Wake) has far more emotional complexity than first believed. The first great love of David’s adulthood, she demonstrates a surprising amount of insight about life, and her own limitations in it. Her duet with David (“Always the Pleasure was Mine”) is one of the most touching songs in the show.
Quite effective in a far more sinister way is Reynolds as both the ever-controlling Murdstone and the scheming law clerk Uriah Heep. The deliciously over the top “Humble Is, Humble Was” allows everyone to see exactly the type of person Heep truly is.
Some characters don’t fare as well. Specifically, Mr. Dick (Aaron Michael Ray), a slightly touched and fiercely loyal companion to Betsey with a penchant for kites, could do well with a bit more backstory. More notable is the lack of chemistry between David and Agnes that blunts the impact of their scenes together.
The cast of “Copperfield!” (Jeremy Daniel)For the most part, the direction and choreography by Gabriel Barre are quite good. Both take center stage with the powerful “I Am a Rover,” which offers an ominous warning against a backdrop of a seemingly joyful occasion. Also impressive is a storm sequence that threatens to take a tragic turn for some, while others watching can only wait and hope.
“Copperfield!” presents a stirring tale about one’s man’s search for a place to belong; it’s a goal just might be closer than he realized.
‘Copperfield! The New Musical’
The Duke at 42nd Street
229 W. 42nd St.
Tickets: CopperfieldTheMusical.com
Running Time: 2 hours, 35 minutes (one intermission)
Closes: Dec. 6, 2026
What arts and culture topics would you like us to cover? Please email ideas or feedback to features@epochtimes.nyc.
