Lizard Boy continues at Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose, Edinburgh until 28 August 2022.
Star rating: four stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩
A dragon attack some 20 years ago in a school playground has left Trevor with green scaly skin and a fear of the cruel and judgemental outside world. He only ventures out on the one night of the year when he can blend in with people commemorating the anniversary of the event by dressing up as him.
Justin Huertas, who also plays the title role, has written a sweet, heart-warming and accomplished musical about acceptance and loving oneself. Trevor’s only previous flirtation with dating app Grindr was not a happy one as the man he met was repulsed by his appearance and rejected him – not an uncommon occurrence!
The good news is that he meets Cary (charmingly played by William A Williams) and well, you know the story (or do you?). Lizard boy meets guitar-wielding boy in his underpants; there are misunderstandings, ups and downs, and both almost die at the hands of the embittered, fading rock star Siren (terrific vocals and a powerful performance from Kirsten DeLohr Helland). Oh, and don’t forget there is the small matter of possibly saving the world from legions of scary dragons.
The winning cast is sharp and full of energy, providing their own accompaniment on various instruments and using elements of the set and their feet as percussion. The songs are pleasant and varied, the lyrics are sharp and the book has its charm, though some of the funny jokes are a bit obvious. It’s difficult to classify the score (and that’s no bad thing) – a little bit country, a little bit indie rock and a patter song.
The director, Brandon Ivie, uses the space and the props inventively and the sound and the lighting are accomplished (not always the case in the 10-minute turnaround environment of the Fringe). It’s a smart creative choice not to have the character of Trevor in green make-up or lizard costume.
I believe the show has been truncated to fit the 60-minute time slot and I imagine the longer version will show more of the development of the relationship between Trevor and Cary and maybe more of Siren’s back story.
Huertas has written a smart, touching, entertaining tale, expertly performed by a very talented cast.
Keith Paterson
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