Winner Take All (A Rock Opera)

Director-choreographer John Carrafa brings his considerable showbiz skills to bear on "Winner Take All (A Rock Opera)," and the result is a rousing crowd pleaser. He and writers Claudia Brevis and Skip Brevis fill every moment of this show about a musical battle in Rock 'n' Roll Heaven over the fate of the world with enough songs, dances, and jokes to keep the audience happy for its 85-minute length.

Though the story is rather well-worn and the writing more amusing than brilliant, there are enough clever asides and cultural references to keep "Winner Take All" afloat. The show also benefits from an appealing cast, led by Trent Armand Kendall, as the narrator; Anna Eilinsfeld, as Katie; and Jacquelyn Graham, as a diva of an angel named Sally.

Overseeing all, Carrafa keeps the pace breathless and the onstage action pulsing, making this a giddy evening of musical theater.

Presented by SB Creative as part of the New York International Fringe Festival at the Bleecker Theatre, 45 Bleecker St., NYC. Aug. 12–26. Remaining performances: Fri., Aug. 19, 6:45 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 21, 8:30 p.m.; Fri., Aug. 26, 3:30 p.m. (866) 468-7619 or www.fringenyc.org. Casting by Clemmons/Dewing Casting.