Review: ROAD SHOW, Union Theatre, February 10 2016

Road Show follows the story of the two Meisner brothers, Addison and Willie, as they seek their fortunes in the early years of the 20th century. After an abortive attempt to prospect for gold in Alaska, the boys go their separate ways. Willie, a natural charmer and conman, has soon married a rich widow and involves himself in madcap schemes and scams until the money runs out. Addison tries a more honest approach, but nothing works until he brokers his knowledge gained travelling the world into an architectural practice that hits big in booming Florida. He also hits big with idealistic Hollis Bessemer, who is soon with him in the boardroom providing capital and the bedroom providing sex.

This musical was first performed in 1999 under the title Wise Guys and has been developed extensively in the 17 years since. It's still not right - John Weidman's book never quite gets the tight focus the story needs. Are the brothers heroes or villains? Is this a satire about huckster real estate agents or a celebration of the Great American Dream's resilience? Is it a tale of gay liberation in difficult times or a lament for a relationship that bloomed in unlikely circumstances but turned to bitterness in the end? We're not sure even after nearly two hours without an interval. (Consider yourselves warned...)

If that's the downside, the upside comes with Stephen Sondheim's notoriously clever lyrics (yes, the infernal, internal rhymes are all present and correct) and some splendid performances. The ensemble cast are uniformly excellent with Andre Refig, always ready with a smile and an eye for the main chance as Willie and Joshua Leclair's naïve Hollis the standouts. Richard Baker's band are wonderful throughout - demonstrating great stamina as well as great skill!

Road Show (at the Union Theatre until 5 March) continues this venue's fine record of presenting forgotten or neglected musicals and breathing new life into them. And, while this show is no Sweeney Todd, it's bold enough to stand on its own two feet as entertainment, as well as an interesting case study of how even the masters of musical theatre can't blend notes into perfect chords all the time.

Photo - Roy Tan

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