When I was in New York last fall for the American Theater Critics Association meeting, I was fascinated by a panel featuring Jeanine Tesori, David Lindsay-Abaire, and a couple of the actors, including recent high schooler Justin Cooley, discussing the musical version of Mr. Lindsay-Abaire’s play. It was just starting previews, and I didn’t get to see it. It was on my list for this trip, and I’m glad that I saw it yesterday, especially since I think that it represents Ms. Tesori’s best work to date.
Mr. Cooley was first among equals in a story about high school students and their social life. Under Jessica Stone’s direction, the energy displayed by the young actors drove what might have been a depressing two-and-a-half hours. I also loved the versatility of David Zinn’s scenic design, where set pieces could be rolled on and off or pushed by the cast. Bonnie Milligan also drove the story with her villainous plotting.
I have always admired Victoria Clark as an actress, and she did not disappoint yesterday. It was also fun to hear so much engagement in anagrams, from which the show’s title is drawn.
Bill Eadie |
