“Boys Will Be Boys” at the New York Musical Theatre Festival at the Studio Theatre
“Boys Will Be Boys” at the New York Musical Theatre Festival at the Studio Theatre Book and Lyrics by Joe Miloscia Music by Kenneth Kacmar Directed by Joe Barros Reviewed by Joseph Verlezza Theatre Reviews Limited
Billed as an ‘Out-rageous Musical Revue,’ “Boys Will Be Boys” presented at the Studio Theater as part of the ongoing NYMF certainly lives up to its claim. Almost everything from concept, lyrics, characters, parodies and innuendos are completely over the top and as gay as one can possibly imagine. It is a fun romp very reminiscent in style to the gay revues produced in the 80’s and 90’s with constant sexual innuendo, musical theater parodies and sharp gay wit and slurs. There is nothing ground breaking or new except situations and language has of course been brought up to date. Most of the characters appear as stereotypes which wear thin after a short time and at times are offensive or annoying.
The cast is vocally competent and earnestly delivers every musical number with high energy and enthusiasm even when some of the material falls short. Two stand-out songs are the duet “I Want to Thank You” performed by Ryan Speakman and Seph Stanek - which is given an honest rendering accompanied by well balanced voices - and “Giant” which is interpreted and delivered by Mr. Speakman. This song may well be one of the finest gay anthems I have heard to date, being smart, sophisticated, timeless and emotional. This combined with Mr. Speakman’s clear, pure vocal tone and undeniable connection and focus makes a profound statement and provides a sincere look into the real world and unfortunate fears of the gay community.
It is campy, fun and probably entertaining to many but just falls a bit short for this critic who hopes for a better gay environment and representation in the NY Theatre scene in the future. This product can certainly find its roots on Fire Island or in Provincetown and possibly downtown but might have trouble staying afloat mainstream.
BOYS WILL BE BOYS
“Boys Will Be Boys” is presented by The New York Musical Theatre Festival, New Stages Musical Arts with Soft Old Bills May Jam Productions. Director and Choreographer: Joe Barros ; Associate Director/Choreographer: Katherine Pettit; Music Director: Alex LeFevre; ¬Scenic Designer: Timothy Hart; Lighting Designer: Dan Jobbins; Costume Designer: Jessa-Raye Court; Stage Manager: Mackenzie Meeks; Production Assistant: Leah Fong; Publicist: Sam Morris PR. Casting by Paul Hardt/SH Entertainment.
The cast includes Courtney Cowart, Jeremy Pasha, Ryan Speakman, Seph Stanek, and Rance Wright.
“Boys Will Be Boys” will play at The Studio Theatre (480 West 42nd St) on Wednesday, July 24 at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $25.00 and can be purchased online at www.NYMF.org. Additional information on “Boys Will Be Boys” can also be found at www.BoysWillBeBoysMusical.com.
Permalink | Posted by David Roberts on Tuesday, July 23, 2013
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