For four weeks in the summer, we have NYMF, the New York Musical Festival. During this time, new musicals in development are given full productions, usually for about five performances each. In addition, NYMF hosts readings and concerts for other pieces. Since 2004, there have been over 400 musicals presented, four of which eventually made it to Broadway as Chaplin, Next to Normal, <title of show> and In Transit. More than 30 have had Off Broadway productions, including the phenomenal Bedbugs!!! (the heir apparent to The Rocky Horror Show and Little Shop of Horrors).
This year, there are 21 full productions and I’ve decided to take in as many as I can and give you a taste of NYMF. The term “full production” means that the show is fully staged with musicians and performers but obviously sets have to be the type that can be put up and taken down quickly since the shows take place in only two Off-Broadway houses. This post is Part 1 (since I’ve got tickets to 18 of the 21 productions). Why not all, you ask? We theatergoers need a vacation too…
Miss Blanche Tells It All
First up, we go to The Golden Lantern in New Orleans, late 1960s. Miss Blanche is about to take the stage but instead a man appears not yet fully in drag. What follows is a story of a traumatized childhood through the creation of Miss Blanche. I was looking forward to this show as the lead actor, Brian Charles Rooney, was sensational as Dionne Salon in Bedbugs!!! a few years ago. Here again, he delivers a terrific performance with outstanding vocals. While watching the show, I kept thinking that a quirky personality like Jinxx Monsoon (of Ru Paul’s Drag Race fame) might shade the darkness a bit which is needed. Also, the storytelling needed to be a bit clearer in the book; we had to discuss the Blanche character afterwards to fully flesh out the story arc.
Matthew McConaughey vs the Devil
Taking place in Hollywood, or “a hellish version of it,” this improbable musical sheds light on the question, ‘How did Matthew McConaughey go from B-list actor to Academy Award winner?” Apparently his success was dependent on a pact with Satan. Hilarious from start to finish with great music and lyrics. It’s all in here: “alright, alright, alright”, the Lincoln car commercials, the bongos, bromance with Woody Harrelson and lots of marijuana. Lesli Margherita (Matilda) as Mephistopheles gave a master class in musical comedy. I loved Max Crumm (Grease “You’re the One That I Want” winner) as Woody and Wayne Wilcox as Matthew; both characterizations were on target as gentle yet sharply funny exaggerations of their namesakes. Two ensemble members who are now required viewing: Nicole Vande Zande and Cameisha Cotton. This show kicked ass.
Night Tide
Based on a 1961 B-movie thriller starring a young Dennis Hopper, Night Tide is the story of Johnny, a sailor on leave exploring the boardwalks and beach parties in a spooky seaside town. Johnny meets and falls for Mora, a mysterious woman who works in the sideshow as a mermaid. There’s a fortune teller, as salty old seaman, a jilted carousel operator and a sort of Beach Blanket Bingo Greek chorus. Plenty of good moments and songs, especially in a complete and detailed performance from Patrick Dunn as Johnny as well as effective secrecy from Tara Martinez as Mora, with big demanding vocals. The ocean boat ride on a shoestring budget was a perfectly executed visual as were the boardwalk backdrops and scene changes. Overall, an odd combination of styles that needs rebalancing: perhaps a smaller dose of Frankie and Annette clowning replaced by moody B-movie tension? But I plan on watching the movie after seeing the show, so nicely done.
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