Reviewed by Judd Hollander
Big Brother is no longer simply
watching. He’s now taking an active role, in everything. So suggests the
musical Be More Chill at The Pershing Square Signature Center.
Boasting one of the most enthusiastic audiences in recent memory, and based on
the novel of the same name, the show presents a refreshing new take on the
oft-told tale of someone trying to become one of the cool kids.
Jeremy (Will Rolland), now in his
junior year at a New Jersey
(L-R) Will Roland and George Salazar in BE MORE CHILL
Photo by Maria Baranova
Things change for Jeremy when Rich
(Gerard Canonico), a fellow junior, and one of Jeremy’s major tormentors,
suddenly offers him the chance to jump to the top of the school social ladder.
All thanks to a Squip. A grey oblong pill which, when taken, will show him how
to make his dreams come true. Just as it has already done for Rich. No one now remembering
him as the loser he used to be. Even Jeremy.
The Squip (Jason Tam) is, in
actuality, a kind of supercomputer. Appearing inside Jeremy’s head in the
persona of Keanu Reeves, it begins mapping out a course for Jeremy’s future. In
short order, Jeremy starts to become one of the popular kids in school and gets
invited to the important social gatherings. At the same time, he finds himself
becoming estranged from Michael. The Squip explaining how Michael is no longer
someone with whom Jeremy should associate.
As with many works of this type
– Heathers and Mean Girls are two that
immediately come to mind – the real issue facing Jeremy is the importance of
staying true to what you believe. Rather than being coerced or convinced to go
along with everyone else, simply because that’s the easier thing to do. Coupled
with this is a warning to beware opportunities which seem too good to be true.
It eventually becoming apparent that Jeremy and the others may be pawns in a
much bigger plan. One which has to do with conformity and free will. Or the
lack thereof.
Despite its various messages and
more than a few serious moments, the heart of Be More Chill is
its underlying sense of fun. The work often feeling like a spoof of the very
situations it seeks to explore. More importantly, the musical never hits the
audience over the head with its message, nor does it ever talk down to them.
The entire show akin to a technological thrill ride through the territory that
is teenage angst. A good part of the show’s success due to the strong work
by lighting designer Tyler Micoleau, and the excellent projection design
efforts by Alex Basco Koch.
Be More Chill can also
be called “the little musical that could’. The show seeming to reach the end of
the line after a regional production several years ago. However, thanks to a
cast album and strong word of mouth, the work became a cult hit with an
enormous online fan base. Its growing popularity leading to this current
theatrical rebirth. One which will continue with a move to Broadway in 2019.
Will Roland and the cast of BE MORE CHILL
Photo by Maria Baranova
The score by Joe Iconis is
enjoyable, if not always memorable. Direction by Stephen Brackett is, for the
most part, rock-solid. The only missteps occurring during several early
transitional moments, when cast members switched between singing and dialogue.
These shifts not coming off as seamlessly as they could have. There was
also a running problem with the music being too loud, it often drowning out the
various song lyrics.
Roland gives a superb performance
as Jeremy, a conflicted kid who just wants to fit in, and hopefully get the
girl. Hsu is fine as Christine. Someone who, like the rest of the students, is
just trying to make it through high school. Talia Suskauer (who subbed for
Lauren Marcus the night I saw the show) and Katlyn Carlson worked well as the
so-called “popular girls”. Salazar was nicely stalwart as Jeremy’s loyal friend
Michael, while Tam did a great job as the mysterious Squip. Williams does a
nice turn as Jeremy’s Dad. Particularly in the serio-comic number “The Pants Song”,
when he realizes he has to do more than try to be Jeremy’s buddy. He has to
start being his father again.
Be More Chill makes for
a welcome addition to the New York
Featuring: Gerard Canonico (Rich
Goranski), Katlyn Carlson (Chloe Valentine), Stephanie Hsu (Christine
Canigula), Tiffany Mann (Jenna Rolan), Lauren Marcus (Brooke Lohst), Will
Roland (Jeremy Heere), George Salazar (Michael Mell), Britton Smith (Jake
Dillinger), Jason Tam (The Squip), Jason Sweettooth Williams (Jeremy’s
Dad/Mister Reyes/Scary Stockboy).
Be More Chill
Music and Lyrics by Joe Iconis
Book by Joe Tracz
Based on the Novel by Ned Vizzini
Scenic Design Beowulf Boritt
Costume Design: Bobby Frederick
Tilley II
Lighting Design: Tyler Micoleau
Sound Design: Ryan Rumery
Production Design: Alex Basco Koch
Wig/Hair Design: Dave Bova
Props Design: Sven Henry Nelson
Associate Music Director: Geoffrey
Ko
Casting: Telsey + Company
Productions Stage Manager: Amanda
Michaels
Production Supervisor: Senovva
Production Core
General Management: LDK Productions
Advertising & Marketing: AKA
Social Media: Marathon
Digital
Press Representative: Keith Sherman
and Associates
Music Direction and Vocal
Arrangements by Emily Marshall
Music Supervision and Orchestrations
by Charlie Rosen
Choreography by Chase Brock
Directed by Stephen Brackett
The Pershing
Square Signature
Center
Running Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes
with one intermission
Closes: September 30, 2018
Broadway previews begin February 19, 2019 at the Lyceum
Theatre
Broadway tickets: 212-239-6200 or www.telecharge.com
Broadway tickets: 212-239-6200 or www.telecharge.com
No comments:
Post a Comment