title of show – Theater Drachengasse, Vienna

[title of show] continues at the Theater Drachengasse, Vienna until 11 October. Picture: Ine Gundersveen

Following the success of last year’s production of Tick, Tick… Boom!, Vienna Theatre Project returns with another hit musical. This time it presents the Austrian premiere of [title of show] which opened Off-Broadway in 2006 and subsequently transferred to the Great White Way in 2008. The piece, which features music and lyrics by Jeff Bowen, and book by Hunter Bell chronicles the story of Jeff and Hunter (originally played by the writers themselves) who are trying to submit an entry for the New York Musical Theatre Festival. It also traces the collaboration with the two singers Susan and Heidi (originally played by Heidi Blickenstaff and Susan Blackwell). It is a tribute to musical theatre as well as a story about friendship.

For the Austrian premiere of this modern piece of musical theatre Joanna Godwin-Seidl, who directs and produces the show, has brought together a group of extremely talented actors. Even though the opening number isn’t perfect yet, they all impress vocally. Alan Burgon as Jeff is strong throughout, as is Oliver Watton as Hunter.

It is a real joy to finally see Lynsey Thurgar in a starring role. She is funny and a fine vocalist and actor. Nazide Aylin is a divine singer, and though she isn’t performing in her mother tongue (German) she masters the part really well without an accent at all.

The sets, consisting of black walls with titles of shows (with a slight twist such as ‘Woman in Pink’ or ‘Dogs’), designed by Joanna Godwin-Seidl and Richard Panzenböeck, works really well for this intimate production. Along with Birgit Zach, who serves as musical director and steps in for a cameo as Mary the piano gal, the creative team manages to create a show that really focuses on the talent of the performers and highlights the wonderful score. The show features lighting by Johanna Frank and sound design by Gernot Ottowitz.

Ludovico Lucchesi Palli

www.drachengasse.at

www.viennatheatreproject.com