Review: Desert Rose's World Premiere Musical JUNK is Sweet, Funny, and Highly Enjoyable

Desert Rose Playhouse, the Coachella Valley's main LGBT-friendly theatre, is currently presenting the world premiere of JUNK, a sweet, funny musical, written and composed by Michael Penny. The talented actors perform their roles with panache, and the company's behind-the-scenes designers help give Mr. Penny's clever material a top-notch introduction to audiences.

JUNK has only a rudimentary plot, which serves as a catalyst for the show's characters to declaim about their philosophies of life. North Carolina antique dealer Chris (Robbie Wayne) agrees to clean up a deceased man's pig pen of a home, in exchange for the contents. Chris takes his older friend and sometime mentor, Miss Lily (Jim Strait), with him because Miss Lily is the gay version of a bubba strong enough to carry heavy items. The only things they find of any possible value are the vintage gay porn magazines strewn about the floor and packed into boxes.

Although the show contains many moments of pure hilarity, it carries a serious message for all genders and sexual orientations: People need to connect with others on an emotional level for life to have meaning. It also contains a lovely score, with music derived from numerous genres. Director Steve Fisher, himself a talented comedic actor, and musical director and pianist Joel Baker bring out the best in the book, music and lyrics. (Disclosure: I am personally acquainted with Mr. Baker because he accompanies the vocal class in which I am enrolled at College of the Desert).

Robbie Wayne's clever choreography - he is clearly an accomplished dancer - allows him and the teddy bearish Jim Strait to pull off entertaining song and dance duets. Mr. Strait's performance is hilarious, as usual, and Mr. Wayne does a terrific job playing the "straight man" to Mr. Strait's Miss Lily. Yet, when Mr. Wayne does get an opportunity to cut up, such as in the song and dance number, "I Like 'Em Smooth," he shows that he can equal the high comedic bar set by Mr. Strait.

Phil Murphy's lighting helps make the small stage seem larger - his use of spotlight carves out an area that simulates separation from the main set. Thomas L. Valach's scenic design also makes the most of the small stage. Before the show, I enjoyed walking back and forth looking at which magazines the deceased homeowner had thrown on his floor. Although most names were foreign to a straight grandmother like me, I did notice a Playgirl lying around; maybe the deceased was reading it for the articles. Mr. Strait's costume adds to the hilarity -- overalls under an open shirt, bling on the overalls, a Duck Dynasty bandanna, and Mr. Strait's indescribable hair style. I cannot decide whether his appearance is more bubba than gay, or vice versa.

My only complaint is not about the production, but about Mr. Penny's decision to limit the number of actors to two; even with the variety in the songs' genres, when all the musical numbers are limited to, at most, two performers, a certain amount of repetitiveness is almost inevitable. Aside from that quibble, this is a fine musical, and the production is excellent. Be aware, however, that the ending is ambiguous; Pollyannas like me interpret it one way, while a Gloomy Gus or two in the audience told me that they saw something completely different. I nevertheless recommend JUNK for all adults, and especially for those who are old enough to appreciate Miss Lily's reminiscences, including the one about the reserved seat movie run of THE SOUND OF MUSIC.

Performances of JUNK are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM and Sundays at 2:00 PM, through May 29, 2016. Tickets are $33 for the evening performances and $30 for matinees.

As its summer production, Desert Rose will present David Dillon's off-Broadway comedy hit, PARTY, from June 24-July 31, 2016. PARTY tells the story of a group of gay men who get together for an enjoyable evening. A wild game of Truth or Dare eventually reveals everything. PARTY is recommended for mature audiences, because it contains nudity and sexual situations.

The Desert Rose Playhouse is located just north of Frank Sinatra Boulevard, near the Emperor Buffet, at 69-620 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270. The Box Office opens at 4 p.m. before evening performances and at noon on Sundays. Tickets are available at the box office, by phone at 760-202-3000, and by Internet at http://www.desertroseplayhouse.org. There is no service charge for Internet or phone orders.

Desert Rose Playhouse, as a 501(c)(3) organization, must collect a third of its funds through gifts from the public. Producer Paul Taylor told the opening night audience that the company is behind on its fundraising goals for the current fiscal year. Financial donations will be gratefully accepted. The address for financial contributions is P.O. Box 2256, Cathedral City, CA 92235.

Photo Credit: Morning Star Productions

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