Harvey Milk was the first openly gay person in the United States to win a political office when he was elected. Along with the mayor of San Francisco, he was murdered in 1978 during his first term in office. Fairly grim stuff and covered by the multiple Oscar winning film Milk, starring Sean Penn. The musical A Letter to Harvey Milk takes place in the spring of 1986, seven years after the murder. While the musical has serious themes, it is not a biography at all.
Based on a short story, this show is about a older man named Harry Weinberg, beautifully played by Adam Heller. Harry used to be a butcher and Mr. Milk was a frequent customer. Harry joins a writing class in his Jewish Community Center, eventually penning the letter of the title. Along the way there are brief moments with Harvey Milk (Michael Bartoli) but this show focuses on Harry, his wife Frannie (Cheryl Stern) and Barbara, the young writing instructor (Julia Knitel). Through ninety minutes we engage in fairly familiar emotional territory with the main conceit centering on homosexuality and acceptance, with a large schmear of Jewish humor. Example: Who do you think I am? Shylock Holmes?
Thankfully, A Letter to Harvey Milk has a very strong book and the three lead characters are given a lot to say and think about. The story arc surprised me and was very effective in peeling back the layers within both Harry and Barbara, and the letter that was written. The music and lyrics range from garden variety to schtick. However, the big ballads are very good and memorable, notably “Frannie’s Hands” and “Love Is a Woman.” Evan Pappas skillfully directed A Letter to Harvey Milk. Interesting scene transitions and captivating lighting effects enriched the storyline in this well-performed production.
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