Trevor: The Musical at Stage 42

The plot sticks close to the short film. In act one Trevor choreographs the talent show, falls for a jock and gets outed. In act two he attempts to harm himself, bonds with a gay candy striper, and returns to school with a new self worth.

The principal roles were talented teenagers. A backup chorus of early 20-somethings played the dancing jocks. They performed a fantasy dance in Trevor's mind and a clumsy dance in the "real world." When they learn Trevor is gay they refuse to perform his number.

The friendship with the jock was the focus of act one. The jock all but vanishes in the weaker second act. There's a brief confrontation at the end, where the jock insults him and Trevor claps back. I found that unsatisfying as the jock had been built up into someone who would have a more thoughtful conversation, though perhaps we're only seeing him through Trevor's eyes.

The roles for women were less interesting. Fussy mother, nice girl, mean girl who outs him and a singing Diana Ross poster. I was hoping the poster would perform Kiss of the Spider Women type numbers about Trevor's mental state. She's left instead with pastiche filler songs. Her exit is powerful when Trevor tears down the poster in a self-loathing rage.

With the exception of the number linked above the score is forgettable. The show lives and dies by it's central performance. Chicago's lead was compelling in the video clips but I saw his greener understudy when I attended. He deserves a "Waving Through a Window" or "Michael in the Bathroom" type number that will stick with the audience after the curtain falls.