The lights come up and there he is—clutching a book by Dr. Seuss as he launches into a song from the musical based on that author’s work, Seussical: “Alone in the Universe,” his bright eyes shining with hope and wary with timidness behind horn-rimmed glasses. It’s a perfect beginning for this self-proclaimed “nerd,” the instantly likeable young Joshua Desjardins. His show owns, embraces and catalogues all things geeky. Obsessions with video games, devotion to and encyclopedic knowledge/recall about all things Star Trek, social awkwardness and isolation: they all come into play as he matter-of-factly and cheerfully chatters and sings about them. And he sings well, in a sweet voice filled with vulnerability, yearning and wistfulnesss, grounded with skillful projection and interpretive skill. Funny, touching, warm-spirited, reaching out…it’s almost surprising that audience members didn’t just go up and hug him at several points. “Walking in Memphis” shows steps towards determination. Things take a sharp turn that is either brave or really unwise and unfair when a captive audience seduced by charm is faced with a tale of a traumatic personal experience told in a trembling voice barely holding back still-raw pain and tears. What’s clearer to see is a true heart and true talent.

Rob Lester
Cabaret Scenes
November 15, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org