Photo Source: Dan Wilburn
Gene, a spineless meter maid, fantasizes about life as a tough-guy gangster so vividly that he creates an alternate reality for himself as gangster Teddy the Bear. With the help of bad guy brother-and-sister duo Benny and Bonnie, Teddy aims to pull off a heist, while Gene quests for love. Gene doesn’t know about Teddy, though, and conflict arises when the woman he loves, museum security guard Kay, turns out to be the same woman Teddy wants to destroy.
Silverberg’s score and foreboding orchestrations seem to borrow from the soundtracks to every gangster movie, and the comedy noir influence—made complete by a detective-narrator— is beaten into the ground. The lyrics and book are simple enough, and the structure is entirely predictable. Of the performers, Carly Voight stands out as Bonnie, with appealing dry humor and smart comic timing. Her second act number 'Arrest Me' is the musical's best. Keith Panzarella struggles to carry the show as Gene, while Silverberg relies on as many gangster clichés in his role as Benny the Banker as he does in his book and music. Taylor Sorice is a typical musical love interest as Kay, and while sweet and charming, she fades into the background. Dexter Thomas-Payne succeeds with Detetcive Vito’s noir persona.
Laurie Gamache’s production design is simpl,e and the addition of 'scenesters' to move the set panels is a cute touch, while her costumes are what one expects from a gangster satire. Sean Beach overthinks his responsibilities as a lighting designer and uses colorful filters too frequently. Director Michael Pantone neatly trims this predictable, forgettable tale into a bite-size package, but 'He’s Not Himself' is a rehash of every gangster cliché ever told.
Presented by Aron Lewis Productions as part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival at PTC Performance Space, 555 W. 42nd St., NYC. Remaining performances: Thu., July 12, 8 p.m.; Sun., July 15, 1 p.m.; Mon., July 16, 4:30 p.m. (212) 352-3101, (866) 811-4111, or www.nymf.org.
