What I liked
Great ensemble with standout performances by Dagney Kerr and Aubrey Clyburn. They play a mother-daughter pair from the country in NYC for a spelling bee/scholarship competition. The music played by Greg Smith was good and I also enjoyed the incidental improvisational music played on more obscure instruments by creator John Wuchte.
What I didn't like
I really enjoyed the pre-show section with actors reading snippets of TV Guide listings as they sit in the glow of small black and white mini TV screens. I wish the audience were paying more attention, because there was a lot more happening than they thought. Some were continuing conversations, checking phones etc. and for me, the experience begins the minute you walk in. But that’s on the audience.
Also would have liked to see an appearance by Vivian Vance, but not seeing her is an important theme in the play.
My overall impression
A fun musical that explores our obsession with TV. I don’t want to give away too much. It’s best you know less going into this, as I did.
