Oh how I adored this. What a sweet little gem of a show!
They do have some work to do: the sound mixing was far too quiet, particularly in the first act, and all of the onstage transitions need to be tightened (my admiration to Liam Pearce and Imani Russell, who handled a fallen prop with ease during a moment where it could have jammed into the turntable track). The first act needs trimming, particularly in regards to Dr.Amigo's introductory number (his section overlasts about thirty seconds compared to the verses taken by the parents, which hit the sweet spot.)
HOWEVER
These little nibbles are nothing compared to the joy I felt in that room tonight. The audience roared to life the moment the cast hit the stage, and I found myself tearing up with them: the core seven actors have developed such a sharp sense of relationship (in particularly Desmond Edwards, who positively glows with energy during their solo moments), and as this was all their Broadway debut performance, I have faith that their timing will fall into place with a bit more experience in front of an audience. That is what previews are for!
I found the book to be quite well crafted (in particular the deft characterization), and left the theatre humming a melody not previously released (Slow Dancing, performed with vivid confidence by Amelia Fei) which is RARE for me these days with new musicals. To me, the biggest revelations are Liam Pearce and Darlesia Cearcy.
As a Cearcy fan for several years now, I knew she would be incredible, but WOW is she indispensable here. Her voice is like olive oil over warm bread, and her comedic timing lifted every single scene in which she appeared: I hope all of the young cast members are looking to her as an influence, because she has "it" in spades. After decades of thankless work as an understudy and replacement, I pray this is finally the moment that she breaks into the mainstream. If you don't tear up during her duet "Getting Ready for the Dance" I need to check you for a pulse.
As for Pearce, I can simply say "WOW". What a star. Charisma oozing out of every pore, you could practically feel the audience's heartstrings tighten when he knelt down to tie a shoe (I won't spoil the moment beyond that).
I am very excited to see how this continues to be refined throughout previews, and for more audiences to see it. The most I have enjoyed a new musical since the pandemic, and potentially my favorite score since Fun Home.
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