Review: The Hope in Love: Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater Presents GIRLFRIEND

If you happen to research synonyms for the term "girlfriend," you actually come up with a few interesting words you wouldn't think would be considered as such. May be it is because the simple mention of the word today brings up so many different visions of what being someone's girlfriend or having a girlfriend represents - some unfortunately not quite as significant as others. One can casually refer to his (or her) girlfriend as someone he/she has been dating for a month or so, or perhaps as someone he/she has known as a best friend, maybe even an everything with whom parting is not a desirable option. Now, what would you say is a good equivalent of such a term we use so freely?

Researching a bit, more affectionate words like "sweetheart" and even "companion" appear, but interestingly enough, so do words like "soulmate" and "lover." Just think about that for a moment. Think about how, for certain people in this world, not just receiving love but understanding what it feels like to thrive, to feel connected to everything around you because someone has entered your life, and even your soul on so much more than a superficial level; how much of a thrill it is to be so happy because of another person's affection, of the beauty that exists because they know you. It is something. The fact that the Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater's new production of Girlfriend: A Rock Musical has very little to do with the opposite sex makes little difference in how ardently people love, and how beautiful and inspiring it is to behold, in a way only something on stage could aptly portray...with music!

Before I say anything further about the show, I need to say outright how mesmerized and impressed I was with how two people can go on stage and not only create a wonderful musical by means of the love they share, but also how profoundly the playwright understands this concept of love and what we, as individuals, make out of something that begins as a mere absurd but beautiful idea - how it is shown in its simplest form and then grown and molded and shattered and brought back together again in detailed steps that I've never been so intricately laid bare before an audience. When watching a movie, for example, I always think to myself how a romantic plot (in particular) isn't really allowed to be believable because of how the said plot is not really given proper time to develop; how someone got from Point A to B is sometimes questionable - at least in terms of what the audience is allowed to see. What we see is the immediate little results and not the process - the problems soon after love begins to fade and not what it all really means.

This musical is different - it is unique because it is human. It shows the raw, exciting, romantic, typically awkward, bittersweet and just incredibly touching process by which two people fall in love. Regardless of whether or not the "girlfriend" in the title provides just a touch of irony, the story of these two characters is wonderful, and it is something truly to be shared with a Cape Cod audience this Spring.

With a book by Todd Almond, with music and lyrics by Matthew Sweet (from the latter's album of the same name plus songs derived from Altered Beats and 100% Fun) and originally produced by Berkeley Repertory Theatre in Berkeley, CA, Girlfriend is now directed by Christopher Ostrom as it comes to WHAT on the Julie Harris Stage. Girlfriend: A Rock Musical tells the story of two young men living in Nebraska, fresh out of high school and each with different plans as to what his future will look like after the summer ends. Michael is ready to move out of his tyrannical father's house but not so adamant about following in his footsteps and becoming a doctor; with a full ride to college, his life is not necessarily the fairy-tale a person could look at him and see unfolding. On the other hand, Will hasn't an idea in the world what to do with himself beyond his high school years. As summer vacation is about to begin, Michael asks Will if he'd like to hang out sometime and from that moment onward, the summer is spent trying to understand the feelings that were already blooming between them from the start; it just took two young men and the chance they gave themselves to see something that needed to be made clear for each of them.

This musical is unique in so many ways; I really was riveted by the entire concept of watching two people simply be on stage and having this turn out to be one of the most riveting musicals I've seen. There is a greater sense of anticipation and angst just watching these two characters figure out themselves and their actions in relation to the other person than in many other shows I have seen; it was also so charming that I couldn't help but react to every bit of joy and uncomfortableness that was occurring on that stage. I thought the plot, so simple a story, was simply captivating, not only because two brilliant actors are able to stage an entire musical and be consistent in how they almost effortlessly keep the audience's attention on them, but as I mentioned before, it is watching the most difficult of things (love) transform from simple conversation, uncertain as to where it will lead, into something much more grandiose and beautiful: two people understanding that affection for another human being is something really, truly great.

Not only that, such a theme clearly makes for a wonderful musical; what great musical isn't about that at its core? Not only is there an actual band on stage (a very talented band that plays, sings backup and also participates in the show), but the songs are incredibly catchy; what I found wonderful is the nice mix of musical theater and rock both actors were able to demonstrate in their voices. A lot of them would be provide the perfect soundtrack for standing outside under a star-filled sky, contemplating the complex beauty of life... kind of what these two guys find themselves doing for a lot of the summer. Certain music really brings out both the plot and feel of a show, and this score really did help me experience everything that visuals alone could not adeptly express.

The two actors who bring Michael and Will to life are really quite amazing as well! I feel like I need to speak about them as a pair, as one not complementing the other would hardly have the same effect! While Michael (played by Jon Kovach) always seems so cool, with a rather far-away look in his eyes as though he is ever-present but simultaneously always trying to figure something out, Will (Christopher Timson) is both rather goofy and lax but again, is constantly hoping that something will happen; he is just a bit external with his motions. I thoroughly enjoyed watching both of these actors make themselves so vulnerable on that stage; as I said before, it was a ride for both actor and audience member, and just watching how two awkward teens with rather similar personalities transform into people who are not just smitten by love, but understand it in its simplest (and therefore truest) form come summer's end, while keeping this show moving at an incredible pace, is really something that they should both be commended for.

Musical Director Nathan Leigh (also on guitar/vocals), Rikki Bates on drums, Kevin O'Rourke on lead guitar/vocal and Trevor Pearson on bass are wonderful, as this musical couldn't of happened without them! Tyler Kinney** as Scenic and Costume Designer, Baily Costa** as Lighting Designer, Nathan Leigh as Sound Designer and Jamaica Jarvis* as Stage Manager, Executive Artistic Director Jeffry George and Managing Director/Artistic Associate Christopher Ostrom. all come together to make this the fantastic show it is.

So, if you would like to see a worthwhile, touching and overall wonderful example of theater, please come and show your support for Girlfriend: A Rock Musical at the Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater, located at 2357 Route 6 in Wellfleet. Performances began May 12th and will run thru June 11th. Tickets range from $12-$45 and may be purchased by calling (508) 349-9428 or by visiting www.what.org/. Performances are Thursday-Monday at 8:00 p.m. with a playmaker talkback on May 19th & 26th. Concessions will be sold and elevators are available.

Enjoy the show!

*Member of Actors' Equity Association

**Represented by United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829 of the IATSE

Photo Credit: Michael and Suz Karchmer

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