'Striking 12' Matches Music with Hans Christian Andersen

Striking 12

Book, Music, and Lyrics by Brendan Milburn, Rachel Sheinkin, and Valerie Vigoda; Directed by Scott Sinclair, Musical Direction by José Delgado, Scenic & Projection Design by Seághan McKay, Costume Design by Tyler Kinney, Lighting Design by Daniel H. Jentzen; Production Stage Manager, Victoria S. Coady

CAST: José Delgado, Keyboard; Zachary Hardy, Drums; Erikka Walsh, Violin

Performances through January 2, 2011 at Deane Hall, Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts, 527 Tremont Street in Boston's South End       Box Office 617-933-8600 or www.SpeakEasyStage.com

Distinguishing itself from the logjam of Christmas shows in local theaters, spectacular or otherwise, SpeakEasy Stage Company fast forwards to New Year's Eve to mine the emotions of a different holiday with the New England premiere of Striking 12.  Described as "a holiday musical for people who don't like holiday musicals," it was conceived and written by Brendan Milburn and Valerie Vigoda, the founders of the indie rock trio GrooveLily, and Rachel Sheinkin, the 2005 Tony Award-winning book writer of The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. 

In keeping with its hybrid quality (part concert, part musical theatre), the show is performed in an intimate cabaret setting in the 100-seat Deane Hall on the second floor of the Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts. Music Director José Delgado, Zachary Hardy, and Erikka Walsh are the three outstanding singer/musicians who also act a slim story that provides just enough of a framework to support the eclectic song mix, the real appeal of Striking 12. Milburn's and Vigoda's music ranges from pop to rock to jazz to theatrical and is exquisitely performed by Delgado on keyboard, Hardy on drums, and Walsh on electric violin.

The story's duality juxtaposes a grumpy office worker (Delgado), recently dumped by his fiancée, who doesn't feel like celebrating New Year's Eve, alongside the Hans Christian Andersen tale of "The Little Match Girl," to create a teachable moment. A young woman (Walsh) selling full-spectrum lights to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is an unexpected visitor to grumpy guy's apartment, bringing her personal brand of hope and cheer and illuminating his perspective on the night. As he alternately reads Andersen's story and fields phone calls from friends who cajole him to join their revelry, his self-indulgent woes diminish in comparison to the harsh life of the neglected and doomed little girl.  

Lest you fear that the grumpy guy and the sad fairy tale combine to make this a dreary downer, be assured that lightheartedness and laughter are in abundance. With her infectious smile and knack for making eye contact with the audience, you can't help but be drawn in by Walsh. Although Delgado's character has to be grumpy, at least he plays it pleasantly, and Hardy offers comic relief along with his steady drumbeat. In addition, the variety of musical rhythms and styles keep your ears perked up and your toes tapping. And if you've never heard an electric violin, you're in for a treat when Walsh makes her instrument sing, cry, and soar.

Producing Artistic Director Paul Daigneault turned the reins over to first-time director Scott Sinclair, a 2010 Emerson College graduate who is employed at SpeakEasy as a marketing associate. Sinclair acquits himself well with a seamless production that is enhanced by Seághan McKay's projection design, which brings in the right kind of snow (virtual), Daniel H. Jentzen's lighting, and simple, appropriate costume design by Tyler Kinney. Striking 12 is performed without intermission and runs about eighty minutes, including the drummer's special encore. Happy New Year!     

Photo credit: Craig Bailey/Perspective Photo (Erikka Walsh, Zachary Hardy, José Delgado)

  

  

 

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