My Thoughts on Mary Faber and David Cale in "Floyd and Clea..."

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 12/16/06 at 8:58pm

Floyd and Clea Under the Western Sky, closing tomorrow at Playwright's Horizons, tells the common story of two unlikely people who become friends. Floyd is a middle-aged, drunken, washed up musician living in the back of his Studebaker; Clea is a twenty year old free spirit with a beautiful voice. They hit it off, she more-or-less saves his life. Then, she leaves to make a life for herself in California (they were originally in Great Falls, Montana), becomes a famous movie-starlet, only to bottom out the same way so many starlets do, leaving Floyd, in the end, to return the life saving favor.

The dreadfully boring show is highlighted by two expert performances, pretty good music, and a great set.

Starring are Mary Faber as Clea and David Cale, who also wrote the book, music, and lyrics, as Floyd.

Cale, with his Ringo Starr meets George W. Bush accent, is wonderful as the pathetic Floyd. We really do feel bad for him throughout the course of the show, we are happy when he succeeds by the end.

It's easy to see why Faber took a leave of absence from Avenue Q to do this show. Though it'll never amount to anything more than a 6 week run at PH, it's great experience for her and she truly shines. She's got one helluva voice that I can't even begin to say enough about. I hope somebody noticed her in this, she'll go very, very far.

David Korins set, with half-a car on stage and tilted bandshell moves and switches around. It makes the remarkably small stage a delight to look at.

Cale's book is a bit too dramatic, there's a bit too much action and exposition that goes nowhere. His country-rock score certainly makes up for it, but only if you're a fan of the genre.

Overall, for my papered ticket, it was an enjoyable experience. I don't know if those who had paid a lot more than $0 would feel the same way.

[JamesMacon]

Posted: 12/17/06 at 10:53am

I am so glad you enjoyed Mary Faber! She really is awesome.

[myManCape]

Posted: 12/17/06 at 12:05pm

The acting saves this production. Both Cale and Faber are perfect. The material they are working with is very so-so. Then again its Cale's own material. Mary Faber needs a role like this where she can shine. In Avenue Q there isn’t the opportunity to show off her skills.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 12/17/06 at 2:35pm

Yes, ManCape....the acting indeed saves this show. Faber was remarkable.