Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen’s little musical was a hit at the 2004 New York Musical Theatre Festival and in its subsequent off-Broadway run. But it was the YouTube series “the [title of show] show” that got the attention of producers who brought the show to Broadway.
“[title of show]” is a silly, little show filled with nudge- nudge, wink-wink moments and enough self-congratulations to make a Hollywood award show look like a spiritually-driven mission of mercy. And though there’s been a dearth of musicals that proclaim, “look at us, we’re a musical making fun of musicals,” there’s something fresh and oddly charming about this one.
Perhaps it’s that the show is a true story; a couple of young, struggling musical theater fans enter a musical theater writing contest three weeks before deadline. And what do they write about? A couple of young musical theatre fans writing a musical about writing a musical. It’s simple, sweet and filled with the kind of follow your dreams inspiration to make it work as a musical.
SpeakEasy’s Paul Daig-neault found the perfect ensemble to mine every second of humor, heart and entertainment value in the 90-minute piece. Joe Lanza is superb as the affable Hunter and Jordan Ahnquist is delightfully geeky as Jeff. The duo practically redefine “show queen” for the next generation with their giggly insider references to obscurities like “Starlight Express,” Dinah Manoff and Alice Ripley. Amy Barker owns the show’s best musical number, “A Way Back To Then” while Val Sullivan delivers impeccable comic bite with lines like “I’m currently starring in a little play called ‘Corporate Whore’.”
‘[title of show]’
Through Feb. 13
Roberts Studio Theatre
At the BCA
539 Tremont St., Boston
MBTA: Orange line
to Back Bay
$30-$51, 617-933-8600
www.bostontheatrescene.com
nick.dussault@metro.us |