[title of show] is an interesting new musical that chronicles the very creation of the show itself, and then documents the rocky road it takes on its journey to Broadway. The musical was initially conceived as a writer's exercise by Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bell, who used a 3 ½ week deadline for a festival contest as motivation. But, somewhere along the line the play began to take on a life of its own. The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is presenting a wonderfully clever production of this work that's greatly aided by a superb cast and sharp direction.
Two friends, Jeff (music and lyrics) and Hunter (book), cobble together a musical based on their attempts to cobble together a musical, even though both are suffering from writer's block. They forge ahead anyway, and bring friends Susan and Heidi into the picture. Once they figure out their unique concept, it's just a matter of writing down their conversations to provide the dialogue for the book. Musical numbers arise from the feelings they get as they attempt to move ahead, despite a concept that seems to have no clear direction. But, the music is fairly catchy, and the book and lyrics are hysterical and convention defying, and eventually they realize their dream.
Benjamin Howes and Ben Nordstrom do terrific work as Jeff and Hunter, respectively. I could see how this play could devolve into a self-indulgent mess in the wrong hands, but Ben and Ben play the characters perfectly. Howes draws laughs with his Linda Carter as Wonder Woman obsessions, while Nordstrom brings a winning intensity to his portrayal. Both have very good voices and just the right attitude for this snarky material. Nordstrom shines on "An Original Musical" as a sheet of blank paper, conjuring up an image not too far removed from the fabled "Bill" of Schoolhouse Rock fame, although the language he employs is far more graphic, which actually makes the character that much more ludicrous. Several of their numbers together are priceless, but I thought "The Tony Award Song" was a riot. However, my personal favorite is "Monkeys and Playbills", a nonsensical song that's born out of Jeff and Hunter's mounting frustration.
Amy Justman and Stephanie D'Abruzzo are equally good as Heidi and Susan, respectively. Both portray struggling actresses on the lookout for a decent role. Justman's Heidi is continually auditioning for understudy roles, while D'Abruzzo's Susan has basically quit the business. They jump at the chance to develop their own roles, and since they're essentially playing themselves, they know that if the play takes off they stand a good chance of going along for the ride. Justman has a great moment where she sings "I Am Playing Me", and D'Abruzzo fights back at any naysayers with "Die, Vampire Die!".
Victoria Bussert's direction is top notch, setting a nice pace that's maintained throughout the brief 95 minute running time, and her choreography is a hilarious parody of the typical moves that are imposed on musical numbers. David Horstman acts as music director and onstage pianist, and does an exceptional job in both roles. Scott Neale's scenic design effectively recreates Jeff's apartment. John Wylie's lighting comes alive with the musical numbers, providing them with a little extra flash. Betsy Krausnick contributes nicely with some straight forward costuming.
[title of show] is brilliantly absurd and diverting entertainment. Hunter Bell's script is filled with goofy and obscure pop culture references that continually amuse. Jeff Bowen's tunes are smart, and peppered with witty and waggish lyrics that never fail to get to a reaction.
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis's outstanding production of [title of show] continues through January 31, 2010 in the Downstage Theatre at the Loretto-Hilton.
