Is this the future of musical theater?
Art is ever evolving, and musical theater is no exception.
So familiar, that at times Bonds' script can’t help but feel a bit formulaic.
Lila (Lauren Patten) and Amy (Ciara Renee) warble a tune together.Geffen Playhouse
Does Lila want out because her hometown is small or because it’s small-minded?
The answer is unclear.
Renee’s voice is arresting, powerful, but as disciplined and carefully tuned as a stringed instrument.
Amy (Ciara Renee) looks to the future with JJ (Helen J Shen).Geffen Playhouse
Still, she produces such an impressive wall of sound from her petite frame, it scarcely matters.
The Lonely Fewhas a small cast, anchored by Renee’s aching road veteran and Patten’s grief-filled dreamer.
But they all deserve their flowers.
Lila (Lauren Patten) sings her heart out.Geffen Playhouse
Then, there’s Damon Daunno, recently Tony-nominated for his turn as Curly in thenotoriously sexyOklahomarevival.
It’s abundantly clear watching him thathewas a major factor in that revival’s explicit nicknames.
Set designer Sibyl Wickersheimer and lighting designer Adam Honore make the experience a truly immersive one.
Dylan (Damon Daunno) finds his only joy in his band.Geffen Playhouse
They’ve transformed the small black box theater into a dive bar, complete with stools and club tables.
