[NEohioPAL] Berko review: [title of show] Baldwin Wallace College, Playhouse Square

[Roy Berko]

‘[title of show],’
another BW-Playhouse Square collaboration
 
Roy Berko
 
(Member, American
Theatre Critics Association)
 
--THE TIMES
NEWSPAPERS--
Lorain County
Times--Westlaker Times--Lakewood News Times--Olmsted-Fairview Times
 
--coolcleveland.com--
 
Last year, Baldwin
Wallace College and Playhouse Square combined to give us ‘BROOKLYN THE
MUSICAL.’  The show, which ran just
three productions in the 14th Street Theatre was spectacular.  It’s a shame that it wasn’t scheduled
for a longer run, as it would have turned out to be a show with a strong cult
following resulting in a long run.
 
This year,
Victoria Bussert (BW) and Gina Vernacci  (PHSquare) again conceived of giving college students an opportunity to
showcase their talents in a professional theatre.  This type of production also provides audiences with a
chance to gain an appreciation of the performance skills of a group from one of
the most respected musical theatre programs in the country.
 
‘[title of
show’],’ which received a Drama League nomination for its off-Broadway
production, centers on two struggling guys writing a musical which they want to
get to Broadway, which centers on two struggling guys writing a musical they
want to get to Broadway.  No,
that’s not a typo, it’s really what it’s all about…you watch the show which
they’ve written as it is being performed as they write it.  It’s quite a clever idea.
 
The production,
which will probably be appreciated most by those who participate in or who love
musical theatre, is not a great script, but it is entertaining.   Some of the in-jokes and name
references to pop divas will go right over the heads of the less theatre-savvy
members of the audience.  And,
potential audiences must be warned, as a sign on the entrance door indicates,  “This production contains mature
language and flash bulbs.”  Yes,
the “f-bombs” go off on a regular basis.
 
The inventive book
was conceived by Hunter Bell and the lyrics, which are often extremely clever,
were written by Jeff Bowen.  Bell
and Bowen starred in the original production, and that probably added to the
easily interactive banter.  Those
who attempt to portray them have no such personal attachment, which somewhat
takes away from the immediate presence style of the script.
 
I attended one of
the pre-14th Street productions of a show which was performed in the
Bill Allman  Theatre on the BW
campus.  That showing, under the
direction of Victoria Bussert, was quite entertaining.  It is difficult to ascertain how a
“real” audience will respond, as the BW assemblage was peppered with theatre
students who reacted as much to the persona of their friends on stage as to the
characters they were portraying.  
 
As is, J. R.
Bruno, who plays the ADD, geeky, Bucky Beaver-looking Hunter is both believable
and delightful.  His huge dark eyes
flashing, hair flopping over his sweat streaked forehead, Bruno is manically
boyish and hyper-adorable.  His
comedic abilities outstrip his singing talents, but, it’s his delightfulness
that counts the most, and he succeeds in fulfilling that requirement.  In discussing if someone he is
interested in is gay or straight, he convulsed the audience with a perfect
presentation of the line, “Spaghetti is straight until it gets hot and sweaty.”
 
Dustin Jesberger
portrayed Jeff the night I saw the show.  This character is the more serious of the  duo. Though  Jesberger is not as successful as Bruno in developing a full character,
he delivers his lines, many of which are written for him to be the “straight”
man in the comedy act,  with
assurance.  He has a pleasant
singing voice.
 
Maggie Roach has
the correct attitude and mannerisms, but doesn’t have the vocal chops to sing
the “big belter” role.  
 
Like Bruno, Emma
Ruck, who portrays the ever wise-cracking Susan, has a natural talent for
comedy.  As with the rest of this
cast, her vocal abilities seemed limited.   This lack of vocal ability is surprising for Bussert’s
students.
 
Ryan Garrett, who
portrays Larry, the entire orchestra, thanks to his extraordinary talents as a
keyboardist, plays well and renders his few lines with a fine shy flair.
 
Capsule
judgement:  ‘[cast of show]’ is a
generally  delightful production of
a script that is adequately written and which has some good music.   Don’t go expecting to be blown
away like the audiences were with ‘BROOKLYN, THE MUSICAL,’ last year’s BW
presentation at the 14th Street Theatre, but you will have a good
time.
 
 ‘[title of show]’ runs from May 1-3 at
the 14th Street Theatre at Playhouse Square.  Tickets can be ordered by calling 216-241-6000
or going to www.playhousesquare.org.
 
 Roy Berko's blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2001 through 2009, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info

His reviews can also be found on www.coolcleveland.com and NeOHIOpal (to subscribe visit http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/neohiopal.)