A comic musical about breast implants should sound like the latest Mel Brooks project – but from an actual plastic surgeon? OK, color me intrigued. There is much about Dr. Ron Friedman’s new original production cleaVage that is clever and funny. Co-written with Laura Goodenow, the show weaves in history and science into an upbeat and irreverent musical. The overall story tells the story of the invention of breast implants through a number of perspectives: the pioneering doctors, the first recipient and to some extent, a yappy dog. Presented by MusicalWriters.com and Lakeside Community Theatre, the musical was also an unusual piece of theater that shines a light on a topic we didn’t know we needed with some bumps along the way.
Friedman, who also conceived the music and lyrics, collaborated with Dan Sander-Wells on the orchestrations. The show aims to tell the compelling and controversial story of silicone breast implants, delivering a message about this popular plastic surgery procedure through song and laughs.
Opening numbers focus on the show’s theme with songs like “Boobs!” and “Barbie Doll” detailing the travails of women’s self-image and struggle to look perfect. Subsequently, we’re introduced to Drs. John Conan and Hank Rouseseau, the surgeons who stumble on the idea of breast implants, played by Josh Hepola and Jacob Catalano respectively. Conan is the more experienced of the two with the larger ego. Rousseau’s youth lends a certain compassion to his approach albeit the fact his first experiment is on the dog Esmeralda. Each performance was in direct contrast to each other naturally where Hepola’s song-and-dance talents served him well for an unexpectedly animated performance. Catalano balanced his character’s reserve with a frenzied enthusiasm and heart.
Tammy Brie Harley enters the picture as the first ever recipient of a breast augmentation. In Natalie Hinds’ performance, we meet an empowered woman who is an advocate for her own body which reverberated with the audience. She’s confident and bold which contrasts Lauren Urso Gray’s character of Glenda Byrne, a breast cancer survivor who expresses her own fighting spirit that results in her decision to balance her condition but her disposition is more reserved than Tammy’s. Gray also served as the show’s vocal coach. Hinds portrayal had inspired bravado as the bold Tammy. Amid the campy chaos, Gray served a delightfully touching performance as the afflicted Glenda pursuiing love at the same time.
A large ensemble hovered around the leads taking on a number of different parts while DeeDee, played by Kya James, steered the show as its narrator. I would argue that the show didn’t need a narrator role, but James’ gave DeeDee a distinct pizzazz and presence everytime she was onstage.
Director and Music Director Rebecca Lowrey directed the show with a rapid fire pace that matched Friedman’s snappy tunes. Christina Kudlicki delivered effective choreography that had a lovely simplicity while also injecting even more fun energy to musical numbers. On top of a cast of 13, a full band of six also resides on Lakeside’s small but surprisingly spacious stage.
With all its parts in place, cleaVage started off with a bang on its opening last Friday. However, and for at least one pun, this bra felt stuffed – notably in the first act that had a whopping 18 songs. Most of the songs were upbeat and peppy but the perpetuity of that energy never quite let up. Act I seemed to buckle under its own weight with songs delivering more of the narrative that didn’t always feel necessary. I guess you could say it felt, um, top heavy. Major kudos to the cast for nailing the songs lyrics which also had to deliver both story and humor while keeping their voices intact.
Act II fared much better with its narrative mostly centered on Glenda’s story and her romance with Rousseau. The songs varied from ballads to showtunes that gave the second half a more emotional texture lacking in the first.
cleaVage was a rollicking fun time to sit through but also lacked focus. Four central characters diluted the story. First, it’s the doctors’ story, then Tammy’s, then Glenda’s and repeat. This made it difficult to land on a character(s) to invest in wholly. Then DeeDee entered the story with her own chapter at the tail end albeit with the beautifully touching number “Woman Like Me.” As a result of this, the show missed on emotional depth.
cleaVage wasn’t a complete bust, but instead a show rich in both substance and intention. I now possess more knowledge about the history of breast implants than most of my friends, and while the utility of this information remains to be seen, Friedman and Goodenow successfully delivered a production that was both factual and entertaining. The outstanding cast nailed the show’s playful tone, infused it with an emotional touch all while singing and dancing their hearts out as the band played without missing a beat.
The show runs through Oct. 18 at Lakeside Community Theatre.
–Rich Lopez
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