Reviewed by Judy Richter
It's always an occasion when TheatreWorks
presents a world
premiere even though it has now done so 60 times. This 60th premiere is "Wheelhouse," a musical created by Gene
Lewin, Brendan Milburn and Valerie Vigoda, who also perform it. Together they are GrooveLily, a rock band that brought its
highly successful "Striking 12" to TheatreWorks in 2004 and 2010.
"Wheelhouse"
is a group autobiography primarily focused on the then 8-year-old trio's
decision to pull up stakes, buy a not-so-gently used RV and go on the road in
search of fame and fortune during the first 11 months of 2002. It turned out to
be a misguided -- at best -- decision as the group had to deal with mechanical,
personal and professional problems. The RV broke down several times, and
sometimes the trio played for just a handful of people in places as varied as a
church basement and a laundromat. The experience took a toll on their finances
and their relationships, straining Milburn and Vigoda's marriage and almost
estranging them from Lewin, who was trying to maintain his relationship with
his girlfriend.
They
tell their story mainly through music, mostly playing themselves, but sometimes
playing characters (quick costume changes facilitated by designer Tanya
Finkelstein)
they met on their journey. The action takes place on Kate Edmunds' relatively spartan set, lit by Steven
B. Mannshardt,
but most of the scenic effects come from colorful, creative projections
designed by Jason H. Thompson.
Lisa
Peterson's
direction keeps the action moving well, but it can't overcome weaknesses in the
book. The show's premise is rife with possibilities. However, it barely touches
on some of the problems inherent in such a journey such as unfamiliar places,
tight quarters and, lack of privacy.
Imagining
how difficult those issues would be, one can see how resilient the three
ultimately were as they decided to sell the RV and keep going as a group. Quick
projections show what ensued as Vigoda and Milburn had a son and Lewin married
his girlfriend and had two sons.
The
music is mostly rock (sound by Kris Umezawa) and features some close harmony
by the three, who provide their own accompaniment -- Vigoda on electric violin,
Milburn on keyboards and Lewin on drums and guitar. After a while, though,
perhaps because the book lacks a strong emotional arc, the songs start to sound
alike.
There's
definitely a show here by these three likable performers, but for now it still
seems like a work in progress.
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