The magic that is musical theater allows for the improbable to be born. Jeff Whitty conceived a musical based on The Countess of Pembroke’s Arcadia written by Sir Philip Sidney towards the end of the 16th Century with songs written by the new wave pop band The Go-Go’s towards the end of the 20th Century. The mash up is not subtle. In this revision, the realm of Arcadia is famed for its beat, hence the opener, “We Got the Beat.” Head Over Heels is a tale of a king and queen, two princesses in need of suitors and prophecies from the Oracle of Delphi.
Fun is in abundance in this show, staged as an old school musical comedy entertainment complete with clam shell lights on the stage. The original story is famous for its coverage of sex, politics and cross dressing. Which suitor will our Princesses pick? And why? Let’s just say that the tag line from The Drowsy Chaperone would work here: “mix-ups, mayhem and a gay wedding.” Head Over Heels received advanced publicity for hiring Peppermint, a transgendered performer and finalist from Ru Paul’s Drag Race. Broadway has it first trans character originated by a performer who is trans. Playing the Oracle Pythio, Peppermint’s acting is just ok.
Everyone else in this frothy frolic is spot on. As Musidorus, the shepherd who fancies a young Princess Philoclea (Alexandra Socha, lovely), Andrew Durand is simply hilarious, culminating with an Act II slapstick routine that affirms his place as show stealer of Amazonian proportions. Not to be outclassed, Bonnie Milligan’s vainly beautiful Princess can dish out the comedy and belt Go-Go’s tunes despite the illogical sounding concept of a Go-Go’s tune being actually belted. Ms. Milligan shines brilliantly in the role.
All of this nicely orchestrated farce has been directed by Michael Mayer (Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Spring Awakening). Head Over Heels is an odd combination of “ye olde England” and songs which seem a bit thin musically for the Broadway stage. Get past that (and I did) and you will enjoy a fizzy, lusty tale of love, desire, freedom and tolerance. The set design by Julian Crouch enhances the story with clever visual delights. Special thanks to the sound designer Kai Harada for an ideal blend of voice and music, never allowing the band to overshadow the vocals.
Who is the audience for Head Over Heels? People who want to be entertained in an evenly paced, bawdy old-school, relaxed, witty way. If you know the song “Mad About You,” all the better.
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