OffBway Musical Fans: 2 Recent Recommendations

[EugLoven]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 12:05am

My general rule of thumb is to give any off-bway musical a fighting chance when I get a ticket. Because frankly, they're few and far-between, and props to any cast and company that takes a new musical on-board! They're pricey productions and tend to be hit-or-miss.

In that vein, I decided to splurge (ha! I used PBP) on two new(ish) off-bway musicals on Monday and Tuesday (tonight)... and was pleasantly surprised both evenings!

I prelude by saying that these reviews are mostly for NY-locals who've got a good gunk of years and experience going to shows, knowing what to expect at various houses and companies. Those "Wanna go see a show tonight, honey?" "Sure why not, I'll just put the crock-pot on" kinds of people.

The first was DUTCH COURAGE at Wings Theatre (small off-off-bway house in The Village that is funded almost entirely on donations; tend to stage gay-themed shows). The music and lyrics were pretty catchy, a semi-sturdy book, but mostly some polished and devoted performances from the entire-male cast. Intense subject-matter: The unappreciated/untold stories of homosexuals in Amsterdam doing their "duty" to lure German soldiers into their sleazy club to learn war-secrets... A great performance by the "leading lady" in drag and some intense Act 2 action (pink triangles sewn on pin-stripes at labor camps). There aren't any overly sentimental moments, the songs are beautiful and tight harmonies, and a respectful story without gratuitous gay-ness.

The second was THE HIRED MAN at 59E59 for Brits Off-Bway. I'd never been familiar with this 1984 production, but thank goodness they decided to bring it overseas for the NY audience. I'd love for them to stay longer, or for another company to mount it once the West Enders decide to pack-up and leave town. An incredible, just incredible score and lyrics. Basic story of working men in England and their ordinary lives simply living. There's a semi-melodramatic affair in Act 1, but provides a healthy platform for Act 2 (with some war and modernization). Exceptional voices, the entire cast (6 men, 2 women). Engaging story and emotional. I walked away humming and wishing there was a cast-recording I could scrounge up from somewhere.

Just food-for-thought for anyone looking for some musicals off-the-beaten path.