BWW Reviews: I Caligula a Mixed Bag at the Secret Rose in NoHo

I, Caligula An Insanity Musical/book and lyrics by Kai Cofer/music and orchestrations by Cody Gillette/partially based on Caligula by Albert Camus/directed by Kai Cofer/Secret Rose Theatre/closed August 26

It is no small enterprise to put on an operatic work within the confines of a small stage such as the Secret Rose, and I laud Kai Cofer's and Cody Gillette's efforts. I would have to say mixed things about the show, but can undoubtedly see its potential, if it is reworked and finely tuned. Cofer takes Caligula, then sets it in Europe in the 1930s and then has present day inmates in an insane asylum essay the roles. What we're getting is a play within a play within a play. So, for example, the actor playing Caligula (Dory Schultz) is also a patient in the asylum, suffering from delusions of grandeur. The 8 member cast open as the inmates, nurse and doctor and then proceed to essay a performance of a 1930s European rendition of ancient Rome's Caligula. Oy! Confused yet? What ensues is supposed to be messy, disorderly and imperfect, but since the delineation of characters is not totally clear upfront, it is difficult to compare all motives and intents. Of course, the assassination at play's end is not very hard to figure out. Who wouldn't want to overthrow this Caesar, so crazily intent on having his way with everyone else? They all want him dead and all take part in his demise. Agatha Christie did very well with this premise: remember Murder on the Orient Express? The major fault with the script is not its focus but not being as funny as it could be. It needs to be bigger! The music is also quite dreary and on one note, especially in Act I, which proceeds very slowly, making much of the action dull and uninteresting to watch.

It does pick up in Act II, however, and there are fine moments of delicious humor. "Come One Come All" and "I Am Venus" are delightfully portrayed with that wild unabandoned sense of comedy. Remember A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum? More of that is needed here. Cross-dressing... with or without clothes... it needs to be bawdier. If we are to buy into the parallels of insanity between ancient Romans and Congress today, then let's see it full out and recklessly shameful! Shouldn't the orgy in Act I go further, showing some T and A? Why not? If there's one thing lunatics know how to do is f---! Don't hold back in this kind of satire. Go for broke!

On the plus side, all the actors are wonderful singers, even if their acting falls a notch below. The one actress that really evoked the style for me is Kelly Derouin as Drucilla. Not only is she beautiful but knows how to flaunt it about and have fun in the process. Others should follow her lead, loosen up and have a ball! I did enjoy Cody Gillette's foolish look as the conductor as well. Best of luck to the creators of the show and to all the other cast members who made valuable contributions: Elizabeth Harmetz, Joshua Shaw, Scott Levin, Kevin Dalbey, Carissa Gipprich, and Meredith Overcash!

Cast Masked on the Red Carpet

"Mirror, Mirror" Am I Looking for Impossibility?