![]() It also offers satirical commentary on the instant gratification tendencies of modern advertising and society, particularly the prevalence of little pills in place of snake oil. What the show lacks in originality it makes up for in inventive twists and relatable humor. The plot is not unfamiliar and the characters stereotypical, but the show shifts these narratives to capitalize on the emotional energy and sense of displacement the teen years’ epitomize for so many. The ensemble members are each individually talented enough to step into a leading role and they bring exuberance to their performances that lights up the intimate theater space. Evan Fornachon is tough guy Rich, Ian McCreary is Jake, the most popular boy in school and object of Christine’s affection, and Isabel Cecilia Garcia, Melissa Felps and Laura Renfro are the popular clique. The ensemble includes memorable performances by Dominic Dowdy-Windsor as the controlling, though not always in control, Squip and Zachary Allen Farmer as the depressed, pants-less Dad and the part-time theatre instructor who needs his hot pockets. The character veer’s into over-familiar stereotypes, but Langford manages to infuse the part with sass and personality that adds distinction to the stock theater-obsessed teen. Langford brings perfect pitch and an effusive personality to the oh so true and funny “I Love Play Rehearsal” and a touch of innocence to “A Guy That I’d Kinda Be Into.” Langford’s voice and comic timing ensure she gets noticed, this role pads her impressive resume while showing a more flirtatious a playful personality. This is his best work by far, and it’s clear he is constantly sharpening his tools, working on his connection and improving. Corpuz is authentic here and his solo is flawless and filled with motivated emotion. And, like the wizard in a hero’s journey, he’s always a step ahead of the game. Loyal and perceptive enough to realize the potential adverse effects of Squip, Michael never stops believing in Jeremy’s essential goodness and the power of their friendship. Mitchell never loses control of his performance, however, creating a realistic, well-motivated character that grabs you in the feels from his pointed, anger tinged rendition of “More Than Survive” to the somehow hopeful “Voices in My Head.”Ĭorpuz is stunning as the stoner with brains and a heart and his rendition of “Michael in the Bathroom” is a true showstopper. The energetic musical rides through the highs and lows of teenage emotion like a multistory roller coaster through a dense forest – you’re never 100% certain which way the story’s going to twist and it might fall off the rails at any moment, but the ride is a total blast. Will Jeremy become popular and win the heart of Christine and, if so, at what cost? Jeremy’s Squip manifests itself looking like Laurence Fishburne in the Matrix. Jeremy can’t resist and spends all his bar mitzvah money to get his own Squip, quickly downing it with a Mt. The secret to his transformation? Taking a little gray pill known as Squip, essentially a nano-supercomputer that enables him to say and do the right things to be cool. Out of the blue, Rich, the bully who torments Jeremy and Michael on the regular, confides that he too was once invisible to the popular kids. But Jeremy has a huge crush on theatre queen Christine. His best friend, the equally geeky and game obsessed stoner Michael, encourages him to be patient and wait until college – where kids like them are cool. Mitchell is Jeremy, a high school student who is labeled a nerd by the more popular students and, frankly, he’s tired of his status. Though the plot trajectory is familiar, the results are relatable, funny and thoroughly captivating. Musical director Nicolas Valdez and conductor Marc Vincent provide driving arrangements that keep the pace quick while complementing the individual voices and shared harmonies. Directors Scott Miller and Mike Dowdy-Windsor have assembled a phenomenal cast, headed by Jayde Mitchell, Kevin Corpuz and Grace Langford, and ensure that every detail supports the compelling story. ![]() New Line Theatre takes on teen angst and social anxiety with a spectacular production of Joe Iconis and Joe Tracz musical interpretation of the young adult novel “Be More Chill” by Ned Vizzini.
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