Review [title of show]

Right from the first notes, A, D, D, D, D, F#, A, of [title of show], it's clear you are going to be laughing. What is perhaps less clear from the "Untitled Opening Number" is just how moved you will be as well. Seeing Angelwalk Theatre's production of [title of show], on now at the Yonge Centre for the Performing Arts Studio Theatre, is an affirmation that Toronto is a world class theatre city. World class, not only because the production is good and the audience gets it, truly. This show is an affirmation that there are smart producers here who are following interesting contemporary musical theatre, and developing good productions for Toronto audiences.

Written by Hunter Bell, with music and lyrics by Jeff Bowen, who also starred in the original production as themselves, and joined by Heidi Blickenstaff and Susan Blackwell, [title of show] is small in scale, but very demanding. The cast of four, plus "Larry" who plays the keyboard and offers an occasional quip, have nowhere to hide. As Jeff and Hunter, Mark Allan and Justin Bott respectively, have incredible chemistry. An essential for the heroes of the [title of the show] story. Not only do they sound good singing together but you can genuinely believe in their friendship. With just, "four chairs and keyboard," campy music and silly fun, Jeff and Hunter could easily become caricatures in less capable hands. Instead you find yourself rooting for them and believing them, even when their inner divas seem poised to ruin it all.

Joining Bott and Allan as Heidi and Susan are Jayme Armstrong and Shelley Simester. Simester's Susan is spot on, funny and heartfelt. She has great comedic timing, and while she is true to the character she has clearly developed the role herself. Of all the characters in [title of show] Susan is perhaps the easiest to get wrong, or over do. No chance of that in this production.
The role of Heidi, allows Ms. Armstrong to show off her fantastic voice. She sings the stuffing out of, A Way Back to Then, the show stopping ballad. Although some of her acting choices were not as nuanced as others in the cast, she still brings a spark to the role. The Secondary Character, as the ladies jokingly refer to themselves definitely hold their own throughout. Overall the foursome have great energy onstage and you can tell they are having fun.

With only two weeks of rehearsal it is not a surprise that some moments in the show lacked polish, but frankly that is what makes [title of show] endearing rather than nauseating. There were a few botched lines and signs of vocal fatigue, but they did not detract from the experience. Director/Choreographer Tim French, has done an excellent job with his interpretation of the script. The choreography in particular is charming with out being too much. This is a show by and about theatre geeks, so a few jazz hands and shimmies are essential, but French keeps it from going overboard. When we met Mr. French he told us that his goal was to avoid simply re-staging the Broadway production, while maintain the shows original intention. We'd say he has succeeded.

[title of show] might seem a difficult choice for Angelwalk's second season debut, because the show is so decidedly about New York, and the fairly insular theatre community there. Inside jokes about obscure musicals and longtime Broadway personalities abound, but through it all [title of show] remains a show about making a show. It is the creative process, how you deal with success and failure and ultimately about commitment to work hard for your art. It is a fantastically witty show, and this production has really showcased [title of show]'s big heart. We look forward to seeing what Angelwalk Theatre comes up with next.

[title of show] runs at the Studio Theatre until October 10th. Don't miss this one! Click the header for more info. And to read other reviews of [title of show] click here.