Theater Reviews: Shel Silverstein Uncensored, Songs From an Unmade Bed
Also, Shame, A Very Brady Musical, and more
GO SONGS FROM AN UNMADE BED This lively gay-themed song cycle, with lyrics by Mark Campbell and music by 18 different composers, is more substantial than it initially seems. Since each song is a separate vignette offering a different view of the world, there’s no chance for it to develop the dramatic momentum of a play, yet each song is a miniature drama. The themes range from the celebratory (“To Sing,” by Peter Foley) to the cheerily elegiac (“I Miss New York,” by Peter Golub), from the passing of youth (“Oh, to Be Stupid Again,” by Duncan Sheik) to wittily described sexual contretemps (Steven Lutvak’s “Exit Right,” about the pitfalls of sex with an actor). Campbell’s lyrics are always clever, and the music — more art songs than pop anthems — offers a consistent style, despite multiple composers. Singer-actor Dave Barrus brings an excellent voice, genuine musicality, subtlety and easy charm, neatly capturing the rueful insouciance of the songs. Patrick Pearson directs with unobtrusive finesse, and the onstage musicians (music director Jake Anthony on piano and Stephen Green on cello) provide unbuttoned humor as well as impeccable expertise. Kurt Boetcher’s pastel-tinted set, in nursery colors, belies the occasionally darker subtexts, but it’s buoyantly pretty. Celebration Theatre, 7051B Santa Monica Blvd., Hlywd; Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m., Sun., 3 p.m., thru Aug. 10. (323) 957-1884 or www.celebrationtheatre.tix.com. (Neal Weaver)
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STORIES FROM THE BIBLE This sharp 45-minute romp through the Old and New testaments delivers on style and craft, less so on substance. However, as nine strong performers in skintight black roll out two-dozen passages from the good book in a flurry of dance and movement, the feat itself is quite enough to captivate. Directors Denise Devin, Mark Hein, Jana Wimer and Zombie Joe have their ensemble in a perpetual flow, rolling seamlessly from one beat to the next, no one actor playing the same character twice; each performer clutches one of costume designer Wimer’s simple, double-sided pieces of cloth, which serve as all manner of clothing, desert settings and even a magnificent Tower of Babel. And Micky Hart’s spare, otherworldly music accents the action well. Edited by Hein straight from The NIV Study Bible, the script is lopsided in places — some beats are too quick and others drag — and a baptism scene in the middle seems to go on forever. But, if not thought-provoking, the ultimate effect is certainly spellbinding. Zombie Joe’s Underground Theater, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., N. Hlywd.; Fri.-Sat., 8:30 p.m.; thru June 21. (818) 202-4120. (Luis Reyes)
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“Best Daddy” from Shel Silverstein Uncensored
GO A VERY BRADY MUSICAL This affectionate spoof of The Brady Bunch is truly a family affair. Sherwood Schwartz, creator of the original series, serves here as executive producer while his son Lloyd J. Schwartz directs. The book was written by Lloyd J. Schwartz and Hope Juber, who, with her husband, Laurence Juber, wrote the peppy music and lyrics. Everything that’s endearing about the TV show is here: Mike (John Cygan) wanders off into tangled aphorisms, the kids constantly “go ask Alice” (Kathy Garrick) for advice, and Marcia (Erin Holt) habitually brushes her golden locks. Through a misunderstanding, the children think Mike and Carol (Barbara Mallory) are getting a divorce, so they secretly try to raise money to send them to therapy. As a result, Greg (Elliot Kevin Schwartz) gets arrested for bank robbery, Marcia for prostitution, and so on. But it’s all straightened out in typical Brady style. The other offspring are well played by Justin Meloni, Laura Marion, Adam Conger, and Kelly Stables, who has expertly captured Cindy’s near-impenetrable lisp. The multifunctional candy-colored set by Daniel Keogh, Joseph M. Altadonna and Richard De Siato includes a ministairway so that the six kids can strike the iconic pose from the TV-show opening. Kudos as well for choreographer Paul Denniston and costume designer Diana Marion. Theater West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Hlywd.; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.; thru July 20. In association with Redwood Productions. (323) 851-7977. (Sandra Ross)
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