Frank and Claire Underwood step aside, the Chandlers are in town.
In theatre, like in politics, timing is everything. Signature's naughty satirical rock musical
The Fix is a dazzling production that perfectly coincides with the start of the 2016 election season. Sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll may not be the slogan for any presidential candidate, but for one family who will do whatever it takes; it's just part of their game to reach the White House.
Many of the themes playing out in next year's presidential election are at the center of
The Fix, making it a perfect fit for
Signature Theatre and Washington, D.C. Dynasties, celebrity, sex, scandal and ambition are all explored in the wicked dark humor of
John Dempsey's book and lyrics. These themes are sure to resonate with many in a town where politics is our business. With an opening scene involving Senator, and presidential front-runner, Reed Chandler dying in the embrace of a prostitute, you know this going to be one wild ride.
"Surely there's another Chandler waiting in the wings," the mourners sing. And sure enough there is, as a boyish looking
Mark Evans enters as Cal Chandler. Eager to reach the White House, his mother Violet, a perfectly cast
Christine Sherrill, and politically connected Uncle Grahame, a shrewd
Lawrence Redmond, aim to transform him into 'America's Son.'
Dana P. Rowe's varied score fuels the evening's campaign feel and uses different musical styles to capture elements of political life. There's the contemporary Act I finale "Dangerous Game," the vaudevillian history lesson of the Chandler family in "Two Guys at Harvard" and Cal's indifferent rock anthem to politics "One, Two, Three." The base of the score however alternates between rock and jazz, with the latter serving as the sound for some of the more introspective and softer moments in the show.
Dempsey has proven himself an exceptional talent with lyrics that perfectly capture the tone and vernacular of politics. He accomplishes that with lyrics like, "Prudent tax cuts, modest reductions, pork barrel state waste, unnecessary programs - must unite, to buck the trend government spending has to end," you feel transported into a C-SPAN forum.
His book is equally well-constructed. Every character's agenda, political or personal, is interwoven into the parlor game that is Cal's electoral career. No specific time period is given, although it's alluded to that the show begins in the mid-sixties which is perfect. That was exactly the time when America's trust in government plunged due to a myriad of scandals including the war in Vietnam and the Pentagon Papers.
Evans, resembling a boyish Bobby Kennedy, may be slow to start in the role, but mid-way thru Act I hit his stride. As Cal grows more confident so does Evans who is magnetic. He is every part the leading man with the ability to lead the cast in rousing company numbers like the gospel-inspired press conference rag "Simple Words" and with the solo campaign victory pop-ballad "I See the Future."
Sherrill is quite simply stunning and perfect as Violet. Not an easy task because her role as Cal's mother is sure to draw parallels with another famous political matriarch,
Angela Lansbury in 1962's
The Manchurian Candidate. Yet Sherrill is phenomenal handling the role's biting wit, misguided ambition and faux-motherly concern. She's aided by
Hunter Kaczorowski's gorgeous mod-sixties costumes, which has her looking every bit the stately Washington wife.
Of course, no political dynasty is complete without a strategist and Redmond fills that role solidly as Grahame Chandler. Redmond's nuanced performance allows us to pity certain aspects of Grahame's life, but uses arrogance to rein in that pity and remind us that he is the brains behind the Chandler family's ultimate goal.
Bobby Smith plays Cal's dad and Violet's husband, the late-great Senator Chandler, with distinction. He's able to show-off his song and dance skills with aplomb as he teaches Cal the ins and outs of politics in "Control." The relationship between father and son is the only heartwarming aspect of this satire and the number suavely explains the allure of politics to Cal.
Rounding out the supporting cast is
Rachel Zampelli as Tina McCoy, the bohemian night club singer who captures Cal's heart and controversy. Zampelli has a luscious voice that gets to shine in the eleven o'clock number "Mistress of Deception." Tracy
Lynn Oliveria may not have a song, but she certainly is a scene stealer as Cal's two-pack a day vocal coach Leslie Pynchon.
Intelligently directed by
Eric Schaeffer, the show capitalizes on the ability of politicians, or their families, to have help sweep in from the wings to aid them in their quest for power. That's literally what happens in this production with aids, security details and even 'friends of the family' arriving from either stage right or left to fix Cal's latest stumble. The direction is matched by
Matthew Gardiner's energetic and sleek choreography.
White-washed marble columns, a signature of not only the Washington landscape, but of centers of power for millennia, fill Misha Kachman's terrific scenic design. A series of French doors line the stage and flat screens fill the upper levels of the set with the constant chatter of news reports.
The eight-piece orchestra under the direction of
Signature Theatre Musical Director
Jon Kalbfleisch expertly handles the different musical styles providing each with an opportunity to shine.
Lane Elms' sound design is to be applauded. Lately, it seems the goal of the sound designer at rock musicals is to blast your eardrums and overpower the actors. That never happens at
The Fix and the entire production sounds great.
"Whatever it takes," is the motto of the Chandlers in their climb to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
The Fix has exactly what it takes to be a smashing production! Clever, dazzling and a perfect fit for Washington audiences,
The Fix is a must see at Signature.
Warning: The Fix contains adult language and situations.
Runtime is two hours and thirty minutes with one intermission.
Photo: Mark Evans in The Fix at Signature Theatre. Credit: Signature Theatre.
The Fix runs thru September 20 at Signature Theatre - 200 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22206. For more information and to buy tickets please call (703) 820-9771 or click here.
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