What is the title of this musical? That's just it: The writers never could find the right one so they settled on [title of show] which is, in a word, "quirky."
In Herndon last weekend, NextStop Theatre Company's artistic director, Evan Hoffman, introduced the show to the almost sold-out crowd with "We've gone out and hired the best actors" and let'em rip! As in, no director to tell them what and how to act, where to stand or jump, but the actors ("real-life friends," according to Mr. Hoffman's program note) got free rein to work it out themselves, and they did, being experienced and savvy in all things theatre. They had freedom!
The story is based on true events when two gay guys (Bobby Libby and John Loughney as Jeff and Hunter) start discussion about writing a play for a festival competition. They are soon joined in the venture by two women friends (Katie McManus and Jennifer Redford as Heidi and Susan) but, wait! They have only three weeks to submit, and as any writer can tell you, the hardest part is the beginning.
Just get something on paper, will ya?
On a stark set with four mismatched chairs, the foursome set out to work. They write, they compose, they fight, and refresh, argue, and make it to the finish line, all the while playing musical chairs which they move about to the critically important notes sounded by the electric keyboardist, Elisa Rosman.
The best songs in the non-stop musical presentation are, of course, the harmonies sung in duets and quartets.
On the darkened stage, lighting designer Lynn Joslin successfully aims the spotlight in rapid-fire motion on the speaker, precisely as actors talk in a telephone dialogue.
Mr. Hoffman succeeds as sound designer (in a triple role as producer) with cameras clicking for a photo shoot and phones ringing with many messages.
It's theatre for theatre with appeal and recognition by performers, crews, writers, producers, directors, and artists.
Since it's a contemporary show, the costumes and language are adult contemporary, too.
Other members of [title]'s creative team are John J.C. Cincioni, Jr. and Kristin Hessenauer, properties; Nicholas J. Goodman, stage manager; Vanessa Arvidson, assistant stage manager, and Jonathan Abolins, master electrician.
What: [title of show] with music and lyrics by Jeff Bowen. Book by Hunter Bell
When: Thursday (Jan. 17 and 24), Friday, and Saturday nights at 8 p.m., Sundays, at 7 p.m., Saturday (Jan. 12 and 26) and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. through January 27, 2019 at 2 p.m.
Where: NextStop Theatre Company, 269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon, VA 20170 in the back right corner of Sunset Business Park, near the intersection of Spring Street/Sunset Hills Road. Right off the Fairfax County Parkway. A wee big hard to find on a first visit, so allow an extra 15 minutes. The program notes that GPS map systems often give incorrect driving directions once inside the Sunset Business Park. From the "Taste of the World" restaurant, circle counter-clockwise around the building and look for maroon awning. Lots of great restaurants nearby.
Free parking: Available near the door.
Admission: General admission tickets start at $40. Box office: 866-811-4111
Duration: About 90 minutes without intermission
Rating: Adult themes
For more information: 703-481-5930 or info@nextstoptheatre.org
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