Comic-Con (more specifically the grand mother of them all, San Diego Comic-Con International), the annual comic book convention held along the San Diego Bay, now has its own musical. Science-fiction and fantasy enthusiasts from around the world congregate in Southern California every mid-to-late July for this event which provides the setting for a love story between two fans of entertainment legend Mel Tyler (played with ease by Dan Woren), an actor whose fame has waned since his TV-show/film heyday decades ago for a franchise recently rebooted. Jordan (Aaron Nicholson) is the type of grown man you might find living in his parent’s basement and has to reconsider his priorities when he meets the intelligent and affable Kerry (Redetha Deason). Through a few misunderstandings, he learns to grow up and start acting less like a boy and more in the direction of a (super) man. Geeks! the Musical offers a best friend for each of the two romantic leads. The “Forsaken” Chip’s (Tyler Koster) loyalty to Jordan extends to pretending he’s gay to preoccupy Kerry’s festival companion Emerson (for the night this reviewer caught it, Wil Bowers), whose brand of friendship sometimes leans in the other direction. There is also the sexually conflicted Trey (Brandon Murphy Barnes) and his Gothic disciple Audrina (Juliette Angeli). They’re a couple of anti-corporate artists whose talents extend beyond everyone’s understanding, lost in an over-commercialized event attracting some attendants in search of autographs and merchandise for the sole purpose of making a quick buck on the internet. Naturally, arguments abound throughout the play over which superhero reigns supreme. Themes cover the realities of dreams, jealousy, and obsessions standing in the way of healthy relationships.
The writing is often fun and sharp. Lyricist Thomas J. Misuraca (who also wrote the book) singles out females declaring that “Women in sci-fi are more than tits and asses,” though it doesn’t hurt sometimes to be in a vicinity as a person with “the only breasts for miles.” When Jordan first meets Kerry, they fall in “Love on the Dealer Room Floor.” The fragrance of her psoriasis cream he complements her on prompts him to matter-of-factly inquire, “Over-the-counter or prescription?” Even though they don’t have a lot in common like computer or telephone brands, they share a passionate fondness for entertainment icon Tyler, a self-described “has-been” who laments, “signing autographs next to Ewok Number Three.” He rotely asks his Rick Ringer fans if they want “Black and White or Color” pictures of himself for $25/pop. Jordan implores his bestie Chip to hit on Emerson as a distraction to spend more time with Kerry, but replies, “His gaydar would see right through me.” “Mario would do it for Luigi,” Jordan responds.” “No, he would not. And if he did, that game wouldn't be rated E for everyone.”
With minor line-struggling and nervous energy, there are some actors more comfortable with the material than others. The obvious standout is Bowers as Emerson (who alternates the role with Stefan Rich). His jaded gay is an unlikeable cliché, but Bowers runs with the role and doesn’t even break a sweat. One hand on his hip, body bended the opposite direction, he’s like Ed Grimley’s understated evil twin brother. “I know what I hate,” he’s not afraid to illustrate, “Lost went from 'really crappy' to 'just crappy.'” The Emerson character really gets all the best lines. Just a small sampling: “There are way too many fat people in the gaming room”; “Was he drunk? He looks like a liquid lunch kind of lush"; and, my favorite, “Just because you're fooling around with someone old enough to be my father does not make you my mother.” Redetha Deason as Kerry provides an honest moment towards the end of the production that is truly beautiful. Brandon Murphy Barnes first dressed in an open-chested shirt gyrating on stage and then dorky suspendered red pants, as Trey, has quite a singing range. His partner-in-saturnine leather-clad Goth Audrina receives a pouty-lipped, aspirated treatment from talented singer Juliette Angeli. She can seamlessly transition from howling like a lonely wolf to casually observing her nails. Sebastian Mlinoz has some nice expressive background acting as a textbook dweeb. His costume along with Where’s Waldo?, Harry Potter, and a Twi-hard, among others, make for an eclectic and amusing wardrobe. Christopher Scott Murillo’s set design includes comic book boxes, action-figure displays, and multi-colored walls adorned with banners. There are many posters from standard nerd fare offered at this nerd fair.
Geeks’ undeniable charm sneaks up on you, like head’s popping out from every nook and cranny of the stage during the opening number “Comic Con.” There are some entertaining self-referential moments, like Mel asking a character “are you going to sing” about his feelings right before he breaks into song, as well as the chorus’ awareness of Emersons’ mantra: “We get the point he hates it.” Write Act Repertory resident pianist Rocco Vitacco splendidly executes Ruth Judkowitz' score and even has a moment putting an actor in his place. The premise has some fresh unpredictability, as well as some subtle directorial touches from Bennett Cohon like a character whipping out his cellphone to record a special moment and another grabbing the cape of someone's costume waving it in the air while blowing to create the illusion of wind. The pre-show and intermission music consisting of various themes from popular television shows and movies of yesterday--including the Star Wars’ theme that galactically kicks things off in a way that only John Williams can--is fabulous.
The production does, however, leave this reviewer with a few minor quibbles. The straight Chip’s overt attempt at faux seduction of Emerson feels awkwardly dated. And, while Barnes has a ball with singing about being “Bi,” Trey's entrance arrives out of nowhere. The direction for the Geek chorus is sometimes distracting. Dance Captain Te Jay McGrath gives his Green Lantern (nice last minute touch) fan a pleasant penchant for twirling, but the inexplicable nature and/or irony behind sending him into romantic handholding with a girl after cavorting heavily with a guy falls flat. And a sped-up second refrain of Chip’s solo about the many actors who played Doctor Who should be the pace the production should strive for. A little tightening could go a long way. There are plenty of great ideas and moments in this small but mighty musical, though, including the tangoesque ballad “Powerless,” which would benefit greatly from, alas, a bigger budget. Though the juvenile tone that sparked the first act created a degree of skepticism, Geeks’ cute, quaint qualities won this reviewer over. Geeks! plays at the Write Act Repertory through July 8th. You can find more information by clicking on the Plays 411 logo.
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| Dan Woren, voice-over artist from Robotech and Bleach, plays Mel Tyler aka Rick Ringer |
Geeks’ undeniable charm sneaks up on you, like head’s popping out from every nook and cranny of the stage during the opening number “Comic Con.” There are some entertaining self-referential moments, like Mel asking a character “are you going to sing” about his feelings right before he breaks into song, as well as the chorus’ awareness of Emersons’ mantra: “We get the point he hates it.” Write Act Repertory resident pianist Rocco Vitacco splendidly executes Ruth Judkowitz' score and even has a moment putting an actor in his place. The premise has some fresh unpredictability, as well as some subtle directorial touches from Bennett Cohon like a character whipping out his cellphone to record a special moment and another grabbing the cape of someone's costume waving it in the air while blowing to create the illusion of wind. The pre-show and intermission music consisting of various themes from popular television shows and movies of yesterday--including the Star Wars’ theme that galactically kicks things off in a way that only John Williams can--is fabulous.
The production does, however, leave this reviewer with a few minor quibbles. The straight Chip’s overt attempt at faux seduction of Emerson feels awkwardly dated. And, while Barnes has a ball with singing about being “Bi,” Trey's entrance arrives out of nowhere. The direction for the Geek chorus is sometimes distracting. Dance Captain Te Jay McGrath gives his Green Lantern (nice last minute touch) fan a pleasant penchant for twirling, but the inexplicable nature and/or irony behind sending him into romantic handholding with a girl after cavorting heavily with a guy falls flat. And a sped-up second refrain of Chip’s solo about the many actors who played Doctor Who should be the pace the production should strive for. A little tightening could go a long way. There are plenty of great ideas and moments in this small but mighty musical, though, including the tangoesque ballad “Powerless,” which would benefit greatly from, alas, a bigger budget. Though the juvenile tone that sparked the first act created a degree of skepticism, Geeks’ cute, quaint qualities won this reviewer over. Geeks! plays at the Write Act Repertory through July 8th. You can find more information by clicking on the Plays 411 logo. 
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