It's hardly news that Farah Alvin possesses a first-rate musical theater voice. She's left a vivid impression as a singer, even when she's been in shows that were were weak (like Broadway's The Look of Love). I've enjoyed her in assorted shows—on Broadway, off-Broadway (notably The Marvelous Wonderettes) and regionally (including Pirates at Paper Mill, which I reviewed for Cabaret Scenes). I even used her as a last-minute sub on a recording I produced, a decade ago. But I never realized just how funny she was until I saw her in Date of a Lifetime, as part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival. She found every bit of humor in the sharp, funny and very true-to-life writing of Carl Kissin (book and lyrics). And she got extra laughs with the slightest wry changes of expression—she wasn't just saying lines in a way that was funny; she simply was funny, throughout. Both Alvin and Kissin have now received NYMF Awards for outstanding work in this year's festival. I think this show—which started out as a solo piece Kissin created for the Manhattan Monologues Slam, and then grew into a longer two-character piece at the West Village Musical Theatre Festival, before coming to NYMF (well-directed by Jeremy Dobrish)—has a bright future. And Jamie LaVerdiere makes a perfect foil for Alvin. They are two likeable, if anxious, lost souls, meeting and connecting at a speed-dating event. And Kissin's writing—whether in his book scenes or in his lyrics—is not just consistently amusing, it's grounded in truth and understanding of the human condition. Of all the many festival shows I've caught this year, this is one I think has the potential to transfer. I have a hunch it could be made even stronger, though, if the proportion of book scenes to musical numbers were increased; the show would breathe more. Kissin writes such good comedy scenes—and that's such a rare gift—I think his straight comedy writing deserves more exposure. The music, by Rob Baumgartner, is fine. But Kissin's writing is stronger, and playing up the show's strengths could only make a good piece better.
(Pictured: Farah Alvin, Jamie LaVerdiere)
Chip Deffaa
Cabaret Scenes
October 15, 2011
www.cabaretscenes.org
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