BWW Reviews: BEAUTIFUL CUL DE SAC Shines a Comedic Light on Suburban Life

Humid summer nights spent grilling and mowing lawns in a subdivision might initially seem like an odd concept for a musical, but a new production performed by Columbus' own Shots in the Dark Theatre Company took inspiration from these often-mundane surroundings to create a new musical that explores the satirical and sometimes sinister aspects of the great American Dream.

"Beautiful Cul de sac," a musical comedy written and directed by Stefan Farrenkopf, celebrated its world premiere on June 19 in Upper Arlington High School's intimate Little Theatre. The show is based in the fictional subdivision of Stony Bridge Lakes, a housing development area that is a perfect manifestation of life in the suburbs. The plot focuses on a small cast of characters and highlights their individual quests to realize happiness within a white-picket-fence grid of manicured lawns.

In the opening number, "Suburbia Our Home," the audience is introduced to the small cast, made up of characters whose quirks eerily mirror those of the inhabitants of many real-life suburbian communities.

"Beautiful Cul de sac" follows Tom Peterson (Andy Falter), his wife, Susan (Ashley Woodard), and their 12-year-old son, Billy (Evan Farrenkopf), as they leave their personal dreams behind and move to suburbia. In his backyard, Tom aspires to build a magnificent deck, which provides unexpected opportunities for him to become closer to his neighbor, Jill (Heather Carvel), despite his friendship with Jill's husband, Ed (Justin Nawman). Meanwhile Ed and Jill's college-aged children, Kelly (Emma Farrenkopf) and Ken (Alex Farrenkopf), struggle with the dissonance that arises between their teenage mindsets and the realities of life in Stony Bridge Lakes.

Throughout the show, Ed acts as an unlikely, foul-mouthed, narrator, who guides the audience through the events that transpire as he tries to bring his personal dream of writing a musical--interestingly enough, the musical that is played out on the stage--to life.

Inspired by the themes of love, passion and fulfillment, "Beautiful Cul de sac" juxtaposes these ideals with the realities of everyday situations and follows the characters as they search for a way to achieve happiness in their suburban lives.

Despite the serious nature of the concepts on which this musical is based, there is no shortage of laughs in "Beautiful Cul de sac." From the walking of invisible dogs down the sidewalks of Stony Bridge Lakes to the double entandres that pepper dialogue exchanges between Tom, Susan, Ed and Jill, the humor is a welcome reprieve from the seriousness of plot points that could have been explored in a much darker way.

Much of the first act exists to introduce the characters and place them in situations that impact later decisions. Musical numbers like "I Have Dreams For You" and "Treehouse" explore the longing many young suburbians feel to escape the expectations and pressures of parents, neighbors and peers in a thoughtful and genuine way.

The production returns after a short intermission with renewed vigor, throwing audiences and characters alike into a mix of conflict, confrontation and the consequences that come with them. Of course, more laughs are guaranteed, but the second act definitely packs a more powerful emotional punch than the first.

Numbers like "As Good as it Gets" and "I'm a New Guy Now" further explore the disconnect young people often feel between their own goals--or sometimes, lack thereof--and the expectations of society. Avid theater-goers will enjoy the subtle allusions to other favorite productions that appear in the "Suburbia Finale," which, on opening night was met with excited applause and audible laughs.

Like all new productions, "Beautiful Cul de sac" requires quite a bit of faith from its viewing audience. It asks that people come to the show with an open mind, willing to embrace the imperfections and listen to songs that no one has ever heard before. It trusts that viewers will form a connection with a character few people have ever met and that they will be invested enough to follow these characters through the twisted vision of life in the suburbs that manifests itself on stage.

For "Beautiful Cul de sac" to be fully enjoyed, one must simply accept what the production offers. One must abandon the critical eye that assesses the small stage or the sometimes overpowering musical accompaniment that occurs because of the lack of a traditional orchestra pit. "Beautiful Cul de sac" never claims to be perfect, so it is unfair to condemn the show because of a handful of imperfect aspects.

Watching "Beautiful Cul de sac" is not like watching a Broadway or West End musical that scores of people have come to know, love and quote in everyday lives. Instead, it is a breath of fresh air that celebrates the creation of something entirely new.

"Beautiful Cul de sac" is set to be performed for a second weekend at Upper Arlington High School. Shows are scheduled for June 26 and 27 at 8 p.m. and June 28 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for students. Ticket information can be found on the Shots in the Dark Independent Theatre Company website.

"Beautiful Cul de sac" includes adult themes, profanity, sexual situations and drug use. Parental discretion is advised.

Upper Arlington High School is located at 1650 Ridgeview Road.

Photo Credit: Jerri Shafer

To post a comment, you must register and login.