My overall impression
The Good People at Good People Theatre Company have set the bar for musicals at the Fringe this year. This well-produced, well-executed show was a great way to kick off my 2014 Fringe Experience. I have seen “The Fantasticks” before, off-Broadway, and Janet Miller’s team bring a production that easily rivals New York in quality. One could say that this show was so good, it made me wonder what it’s doing at the Fringe. I mean that in the best way possible, of course.
Joey D’Auria and Corky Loupé steal the show as Henry and Mortimer, and Michael Wallot channels a very Paul Lynde vibe in his interpretation of Bellomy. However, my favorite had to be Christopher Karbo’s scoundrel, El Gallo, who commands the stage naturally with an ease and grace befitting a dashing rogue.
The use of a harp in the two-piece band adds a magical depth to the sound of the production. Like all musicals in 99-seat theatre, the choice to not mic actors singing with a live band means that occasionally they’re drowned out. But even that occasional minor inconvenience couldn’t dampen my enthusiasm for this show.
Don’t miss it!
