A musical, ultimately, is only as good as its music. And while the York Theatre’s production of Falling for Eve boasts a clever, witty book by Joe DiPietro (based on the play Adam Alone by David Howard, who has also written the lyrics), it is hampered by a bland, undistinguished score (composed by Bret Simmons). I enjoyed the book sections of this musical more than most of the songs (with an exception of the best “list” song I’ve heard in years, itemizing all of the good things coming for mankind). The show aims to re-examine the story of Adam and Eve, with much of the humor derived from the fact that all characters—from God, to the angels, to Adam and Eve—talk in a breezy, slangy, utterly contemporary manner. David Howard provided an intriguing premise—Adam and Eve are given the choice of going back to the Garden of Eden and living forever with the innocence of children, or they can explore the greater world, as mortals who can experience love and lust. And they knowingly choose the latter. I like the storyline very much; it’s surprising, often funny, and thought-provoking. Jose Llana is perfectly cast as Adam. Krystal Joy Brown is a terrific foil for him as Eve. The others (Jennifer Blood and Nehal Joshi as the angels, Adam Kantor and Sasha Sloan as God) all have their moments. And they make the most of the material. But the songs too often feel like character-less padding, and the musical fails to soar.
(Pictured: Krystal Joy Brown & Jose Llana. Photo by Carol Rosegg)
Chip Deffaa
Cabaret Scenes
July 31, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org
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