BWW Reviews: ICT's West Coast Premiere The Fix Proves Dark, Gripping Fare

Receiving its long overdue west coast premiere is The Fix, which premiered at the Donmar Warehouse in London in 1997 and then made its way finally to the US playing in Virginia, but never landing on Broadway. It's pure political satire with music, in the style of a rock opera, but, unlike pure rock opera, with spoken dialogue as well as the music to move the plot along. Reminding one of a vaudeville at times with its broad playing mood, it is an intensely dark, hard-hitting, gritty drama that socks a big wallop. Its one major drawback is its lack of comedic flair; it is so serious and razor sharp, it forgets to lighten up at times to let its audience digest it properly. Now in a finely staged engagement through May 20 at ICT, Long Beach, The Fix boasts above all else... a splendiferous cast.

 

When  Senator Reed Chandler (William T. Lewis) dies in bed with his mistress, his wife Violet (Alix Korey) vows to become First Lady of the US one way or another, so decides to force her weak inept son Cal (Adam Simmons) into the political arena. His uncle Grahame, a polio survivor (Sal Mistretta), with the promise of attaining a judicial seat, is called upon to groom Cal for office. Grahame is not only disabled, but is a closeted homosexual, but that's OK, as Violet is hardly a saint either. She's had an affair with Bobby "Cracker" Barrel (David Michael Laffey), a criminal who fried in the electric chair, and who could very well be Cal's real father, a fact which would certainly account for his drug habit and nonchalant attitude toward making an honest living. Cal's unwillingly thrust into the army - to make a man out of him - and later coerced to marry, in an attempt to give him that good clean image that the public demands of an elected official. More dysfunctions abound as Cal falls off the wagon into heroine, and keeps a former stripper as his mistress (Melanie Fernandez), spoiling his newfound image. The mafia enters the picture and strikes a deal with Grahame to clinch Cal's win, but Cal turns honest, decries his family ties to the mafia and incurs further wrath with his family. Seems like poor Cal was never meant for public office ("Don't Blame the Prince"). So much of Cal's history parallels that of John F. Kennedy, yet the same could hardly be said of Violet ressembling saintly Rose Kennedy. The portraits of family members are undeniably a compilation of many dallying political figures.

 

The cast are universally up, bright and energetic and make The Fix work optimally. Simmons plays Cal with a vengeance from start to finish, crystallizing his weak nature. His musical command of the role is formidable. Korey is stellar and dynamic as the bitchy, deviously clawing Violet. She sings gloriously and is a joy to watch. Her eleventh hour "Spin" song in monologue is meticulously delivered. Mistretta is nothing less than superior as Grahame, a pitiable creature trying selfishly to survive. Laffey is very good in a variety of roles especially Bobby, and Fernandez sizzles as the sexy Tina. Director Randy Brenner keeps the show flowing smoothly and makes good use of the space, and Heather Castillo's dance steps suit the bill.

 

The Fix is not fact. It may be based on historical events, but is the account of a fictional family. As such, it might behoove playwright John Dempsey to take increased liberties and add more comic touches to the proceedings, as the show's main weakness is... it's too heavy. Despite this flaw, the ICT cast and crew have created a production that is unquestionably worthy of merit and should be seen in this, another election year. Voters, pay heed, due your duty and try your damn best to find a worthy candidate! Is that possible? The Fix justifies our doubts.