“The Gig” at the New York Musical Theatre Festival at The PTC Performance Space (Closed on Monday July 21, 2014)
The Cast of "The Gig" - Photo by Russ Rowland
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“The Gig” at the New York Musical Theatre Festival at The PTC Performance Space (Closed on Monday July 21, 2014)
Based on the Motion Picture “The Gig” by Frank D. Gilroy
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Douglas J. Cohen
Directed by Igor Goldin
Reviewed by Joseph Verlezza
Theatre Reviews Limited
The recent incarnation of “The Gig,” a musical presented by NYMF and performed by an outstanding cast of Broadway vets, leads one to think that it cannot get any better than this - except of course with the addition of lavish sets and opulent costumes. Unfortunately, there will be no need for the latter since this rendition performed on a bare stage reveals all the blemishes and imperfections that impair the product from being a successful musical. Most evident is the book which is predictable, scattered and with no real in-depth characterization, which in this case was left up to the actors who did a remarkable job with what they had to work with. If the audience does not emotionally connect to the characters, then they do not care what happens to them, no matter how well they sing, dance or deliver a joke. What the playwright and composer Douglas J. Cohen does provide are some nice melodic tunes and crafty lyrics that support certain situations.
The storyline is simple. It is NYC in 1975 and friends and amateur musicians with a dream get their first gig at a Catskill resort that ends up not being exactly what they imagined. The expected plot twists and turns highlighting new romance, disappointment, heartbreak, failure, and flat tires - you get the picture. It all starts feeling old and tired, especially when treated to some Borscht Belt jokes by the owner of the resort. Since the musical has been kicking around for several years and is already published, I would not expect too much to change. It is fine as a regional theater piece and will certainly entertain an audience, but once you leave the theater you forget about it and the characters and with the high at-risk stakes in the theater world that just is not enough.
THE GIG
“The Gig” is presented by The New York Musical Theatre Festival and The Gig at NYMF, LLC. Director: Igor Goldin; Music Director: Jonathan Smith; Choreographer: Keith Andrews; Scenic Design: Josh Zangen; Costume Design: Ryan J. Moller; Lighting Design: Cory Pattak; Sound Design: John Emmett O’Brien; Stage Manager: Naomi Anhorn; Publicity: Sam Mattingly; and Casting by Michael Cassara. Production photos by Russ Rowland.
The cast includes Stephen Berger, Larry Cahn, Doug Eskew, Kate Fahrner, Nick Gaswirth, Michael Minarik, Kevin Pariseau, Dee Roscioli, Steve Routman, Bruce Sabath, and Donna Vivino. The band members include Jonathan Smith (Keys); Mark Thrasher (Woodwinds); Ray Kilday (Bass); and Joe Mowatt (Drums).
“The Gig” completed its run at NYMF on Monday July 21st at 5:30 p.m. at The PTC Performance Space, 455 West 42nd Street, NYC 10036. For further information about the show and about the New York Musical Theatre Festival, visit nymf.org.
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 | Permalink | Posted by David Roberts on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 |
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