Saw the show Saturday afternoon. I can't say I'm expecting a transfer anywhere, anytime soon.
Some big problems:
1.) Let's start with the set. I'm usually a fan of Scott Pask but he dropped the ball on this one. Note: It's probably not a good idea to stage a young, edgy show on a set that looks like a Unitarian prayer hall. There's nothing hip or clever about it -- just a brightly lit, flat pastel void that does nothing to enhance the production. Once you start with a design choice that charmless and literal you're pretty much stuck with it.
2.) Seriously, why cast an actress pushing 40 in the role of Hillary Faye? Most of the ensemble look way too old for their parts anyways, but Mary Faber was the most egregious. She looks as old as the mother so it comes off as the rest of the cast relating to their parent or teacher. There's not much she can do to pull that off.
3.) Direction. Yuk. It basically consists of moving actors from stage center to front left or right. Boring and uninspired.
4.) Score. Feh.
5.) Book. What makes teen dramas so interesting is dialog and attitude. However there's virtually no sustained scenes between any of the characters. In fact, most of the teen references consist of undeveloped cast members jumping in from the wings, making "hip references" to things like facebook, ipods or cellphones, then jumping off stage. I was annoyed the first time they did it -- completely pissed off after the 50th.
6.) Intermission. Wasn't long enough but I've calmed down after chugging a glass of wine.
7.) The second act is a little better. Celia has a good song at the women's clinic -- unfortunately its the only song in the show where we're given no opportunity to applaud.
8.) Hi-points/Low-points.
Celia just isn't carrying the show. She's doing the same quirky, stock, teen performance from Spelling Bee but she's not connecting with any actor on stage -- although I fault the direction and script. Yet she doesn't even come off as real when she's addressing the audience.
Van Hughes is clearly the standout as Patrick. He manages to overcome the weak material and absent direction to create some connection between his character and the rest of the cast. And of course, Aaron Tveit is gorgeous as Dean but there's little there for him to do except jump around. The material covers everything from teen pregnancy, gay identity, abortion and religion. Yet its all brushed off as quickly as the characters can jump on and off stage.
Overall impression: Lots of people pretending to be teenagers. A score that misses the popular music mark entirely. A book that provides continuity, nothing else. We expect more from a teen drama then having a bunch of badly dressed characters jump around pretending to be energetic. Unfortunately there's little cause for anyone on stage or off to get excited about.
Updated On: 5/19/08 at 02:20 PM