I hope that Michael Tester, who has written the book, music and lyrics for Most Likely To...—which I caught recently at the Players Theater in New York City—develops the show further. At present, it is too long and far too uneven but there are moments in this evocation of high school life that succeed brilliantly, insightful moments that fleetingly but perfectly capture aspects of adolescence. The energy is good; Tester understands kids; the melodies are agreeable; there’s lots of potential here. A firm—not indulgent—director, dramaturg, or co-author could help Tester excise the parts that simply don’t work, revise parts that could be saved, and preserve and build upon those parts that succeed brilliantly right now. The current cast of twelve actors (seven females, five males) includes several performers who are very good (Sarah Sixt, Katie Hoffman, Lyle Colby Mackston, Alexander Greif) and one who is outstanding: Christopher Hlinka’s comic timing is impeccable. He’s got lots of personality. The unusual characterization he creates—of an eccentrically paranoid, overly dramatic, flighty young man—is always interesting. Hlinka is a scene-stealer. We’ll hear more from this theater newcomer, I’m sure. And Tester has written engaging material for him. But some of the segments in this revue fall flat; for example, the New Age hippie type of character (Summer) seems synthetic; the character’s songs and patter, at present, feel like filler-material.
Chip Deffaa
Cabaret Scenes
January 23, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org
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