“Save the Date” at the New York International Fringe Festival at Theatre 80
“Save the Date” at the New York International Fringe Festival at Theatre 80 Book, Music, and Lyrics by Gregory Jacobs-Roseman Directed by Nikki Rothenberg Musical Direction by Rich Silverstein Reviewed by Joseph Verlezza Theatre Reviews Limited
Everyone is getting married except the four friends in their circle who are still NYC singles and need to attend all the blissful occasions. So this time they all take off to Santa Barbara to one of the groups ex-boyfriend’s wedding, that will also be attended by two of the others ex-boyfriends, and keeping in tow the one that never even had an ex-boyfriend, but has every detail of her wedding already planned. It could be interesting in a sit com sort of way.
“Save the Date: A Wedding Road-Trip Musical” with book, music and lyrics by Gregory Jacobs-Roseman, starts off in the right direction, then suddenly takes too many detours, not because of needed construction, but mostly from poor choices. First and foremost it needs to decide what it is. If it wants to be a concept musical, completely sung through that’s fine, if not cut the underscoring and stop endlessly vamping. Take note of the dialogue, “If I hear one more calypso I’ll die.” It is a too, too, too much music musical, that constantly repeats the same style and tempo enough to anesthetize the audience half way through the intermission less two hours. The performers are body miked and at times can still not be heard so the mix needs to be addressed or the band toned down.
The plot is thin but excusable with a fair amount of comedy and slapstick to keep things moving, and a lot of bantering and bickering, used as a form of bonding and friendship which works to a certain extent, but overused. The polished cast saves the show with amusing and somewhat real characters and pleasing vocals. They work hard to overcome the aforementioned obstacles and handle the minimal yet clever staging with ease. Kristine Reese displays her clear, sweet vocal and comedic timing as she embarks on Emily’s journey. Noah Zachary is her perfect sidekick with a fine baritone and gay characterization that touches reality with a bit of grace and just the right amount of sarcasm. Barrett Wilbert Weed tackles the grumpy Jane and manages to bring her down with raw attitude and a strong alto belt. It is hard to believe Victoria Britt is not really Tina in voice, gesture and appropriate attire, a job well done. James Penca and Andrew Kluger add their well-crafted characters of Michael and Dylan, with strong, pleasant vocals to the mix, along with a talented ensemble who help move the action along at a respectable pace. It is not a bad show, just needs the expected improvements and certainly is worth a look.
SAVE THE DATE
“Save the Date” is presented by The New York International Fringe Festival and Roadie Soadie Productions at Theatre 80, 80 St. Marks Place (1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue).
All performances of “Save the Date” take place at on the following schedule: Thursday August 22nd at 5:30 p.m.; and Saturday August 24th at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $18.00 at the door and $15.00 for advance purchase. The running time is 2 hours with no intermission. For more information about the show and the cast and creative team, please visit www.savethedatemusical.com For more information about the 17th Annual New York Fringe Festival visit www.FringeNYC.org.
Permalink | Posted by David Roberts on Wednesday, August 21, 2013
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