BWW Reviews: Obscure Little Musical Theatre Company Presents SONGS FROM AN UNMADE BED at Capital Fringe

If there's anything that strikes my fancy, it's little known book musicals and/or song cycles featuring the work of contemporary composers. The song cycle Songs from an Unmade Bed, which made its New York premiere in 2005 to positive feedback, certainly fits that bill so I decided I must catch it as part of this year's Capital Fringe Festival.

I tried not to go in with too many expectations, but the following thought certainly crossed my mind: many of the musicals I've seen thus far at this year's festival were, to put succinctly, mostly poorly sung. It's hard to win me over - even in a Fringe environment - when many of the performers I am listening to struggle with basic things like pitch. Since Songs from an Unmade Bed is a solo piece featuring only songs and little else, the performer has to deliver his 'A-Game' for it to go over well. There's little room for error and virtually nothing to fall back on.

I am happy to report that local performer Harv Lester is certainly up to the challenge. With direction from Joshua Redford and accompanied by three talented musicians (Virginia Gardner on cello, Music Director Elisa Altman Rosman on keyboard, and Kevin Uleck on percussion) he not only sings each song technically well, he is also quite believable as a gay man in New York City who is struggling - in his apartment (his bedroom to be exact) - to get over heartbreak, find love, and make the whole relationship thing work.

Sharing his thoughts through song - 18 songs to be exact written by the likes of contemporary writers like Joseph Thalken, Chris Miller, Duncan Sheik (of Spring Awakening fame), and Lance Horne with lyrics by Mark Campbell - we intimately experience his hope, despair, and much more. While some songs are more musically interesting than others as written - though it's quite a wonder that given the number of composers involved that the overall sound is so cohesive - there are virtually no major weak links. Some of my favorite numbers, thanks to Lester's engaging performance and the songs themselves, are the contemplative "The Man in the Starched White Shirt" (by Lance Horne) and the more biting and sardonic "The Other Other Woman" (by Jake Heggie).

Sure, there were a few flubbed moments, but one has to give Lester credit for keeping not only his energy up, but also the audience's interest in the hotbox venue known as Fringe's Bedroom (appropriate, no?). I look forward to hearing more of Lester and possible future offerings by The Obscure Little Musical Theatre Company.

Running time: 50 minutes.

There are two more performances of Songs from an Unmade Bed in this year's Capital Fringe. For tickets and further show information, visit the festival's website.

Graphic: Courtesy of Production.

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