John Milton most likely is not spinning in his grave, but he might be puzzled by some of the trendy add-ons this production appends to his epic poem. A new homoerotic aspect to Lucifer's relations with his male minions is most prevalent throughout the piece, but transvestitism and incest are also in the mix. The major un-Miltonian character is Sophia, the female divinity, a font of wisdom who is rooted in antiquity and here seemingly resurrected largely through the teachings of Kabbalah. But the broad strokes are Milton's: the Adam and Eve story; the fall of Lucifer (later Satan) and his followers, Beelzebub and the others; and the rage of heaven against the outcasts.
Composer and co-lyricist Benjamin Birney and director and co-lyricist Rob Seitelman have fashioned an ambitious and passionate show from this material, and it is performed by an accomplished cast of 20 who sing like (fallen) angels. Birney's sung-through music is written in a variety of styles, though his Kurt Weill influence is most evident. The songs range from pleasantly engaging to downright stirring, although, as one lyric has it, they are mostly "melodies that disappear into the night."
As in most sung-through musicals (this one doesn't even have a book credit), the lyrics are frequently banal and the rhymes a bit off ("chaos"/"obey us"?), but the committed players treat them as lovingly as if they were Milton's own poetry. (Seth Magoon contributed additional lyrics.) The show moves briskly under Seitelman's direction, but it shares with its source material a tendency to have too many endings. Jason Summers' choreography is more athletic than graceful, and Sarah Levine's costumes are heavy on the underwear for both men and women, presumably in lieu of nakedness. Standout performers include Ashleigh Davidson as a ravishing Eve and Paul A. Schaefer as a riveting Lucifer/Satan.
Presented by Niaterra Arts & Entertainment
at the Producers' Club II, 616 Ninth Ave., NYC.
Feb. 25–March 18. Thu.–Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m.
(212) 868-4444 or www.smarttix.com.