The show adheres to none of the standard musical theater conventions. There's no big Act 1 or Act 2 opener and no "I want" song, in which the protagonist expresses his animating desire. The show's Act 1 finale, which is probably its most potent plot point, is completely disregarded when the curtain rises on the second half. Not that standard structure is essential, but the anthemic songs do nothing to move the story forward.
Based loosely on the restoration comedy "The Man of Mode," by George Etherege, the show sporadically incorporates restoration elements, such as Dorimant's costume and various bits of dialogue, which feel entirely anachronistic. There are way too many scenes, especially as the weak plot is almost indiscernible. Washed-up musician Dorimant has been going from girl to girl when wannabe rocker J.J. Rock comes to the Jersey shore to shake things up. Meanwhile, Dorimant goes after Antoinette, a country-club girl from Connecticut, for her money, but then may find true love.
The cartoonish characters are mildly entertaining, particularly J. Michael Zygo's buffoonish J.J. Rock, who wins the most laughs. Lisa Birnbaum commands the stage as the one-dimensional Suzie Love in her solo number "Today's the Day," and Lance Gardner is a chameleon, seamlessly switching from the bitter drummer Medley to the peppy spandex-clad percussionist Spyder to aging society man Old Bellair. As Dorimant, Nick Cordero channels Constantine Maroulis while being entirely unsympathetic. I wanted to root against him, not cheer for him. Even Antoinette, who seems to be the one redeeming character, falls so quickly for Dorimant that she loses all credibility, despite a pleasing performance from Vanessa Reseland. Director Jessica Heidt, who also conceived the show, can't seem to decide the course it should take, ultimately giving us a lackluster, loud production with poor subject matter.
Flagg and Heath are in good company as musical first-timers, however. Bono and the Edge's score for "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark" didn't receive shining accolades either, and for a much bigger-budget venture. At least Flagg and Heath spent less money.
Presented by Silverwolf, in association with the Climate Theater, as part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival at the Barrow Group Theater, 312 W. 36th St., 3rd floor, NYC. Sept. 28–Oct. 5. Remaining performances: Fri., Sept. 30, 8 p.m.; Sat., Oct. 1, 1 p.m.; Sun., Oct. 2, 4:30 and 8 p.m.; Wed., Oct. 5, 1 p.m. (212) 352-3101, (866) 811-4111, www.theatermania.com, or www.nymf.org. Casting by Michael Cassara.
