Review: Showtunes' LEAP OF FAITH Spotlights Good Voices in a Not So Good Show

Just a few days ago I reviewed a show that, if you remember, I felt had one major downfall; that the newer songs bringing it from the film version to the stage version had lyrics written by Glenn Slater. Now, just a few blocks from that other production, Showtunes puts up a concert of another film to stage adaptation with all of the lyrics written by Glenn Slater and music from Alan Menken. And while there were certainly some wonderful voices in the concert it just proves one thing that Showtunes needs to pay attention to, not all shows need a revival.

Based on the movie with Steve Martin we meet Jonas Nightingale (Louis Hobson), a travelling tent revival preacher/con man. He and his sister Sam (Chelsea LeValley) and their Angels of Mercy Choir are not really welcome in any of the bigger towns in the area having already visited them in the past and left on not so great terms. But their bus has broKen Down in the downtrodden small town of Sweetwater and they're determined to try and get even just a little blood from this stone. But the local Sherriff Marla (Michele Gray Ankrim) is on to them before they even begin and is determined to protect her little town. Much to her chagrin her wheelchair bound son Jake (Christian West) is convinced that Jonas can heal him and make him walk again.

The movie didn't really have much going for it to begin with. A mediocre script of a worn out idea but it did have a killer soundtrack filled with rousing gospel numbers. Now the stage version has a book penned by the same script writer, Janus Cercone along with Warren Leight and the story and structure has only gotten worse. With character plot points that come out of nowhere and inconsistencies upon inconsistencies the book of the show amounts to one of the least engaging stories I've seen. And I think they knew it as they kept insisting on having the characters break the fourth wall for no reason and give monologues right to the audience. Um, that may work for characters who share a lot but it's a bit confusing for a lying con artist to suddenly bare his soul.

But then that's what Showtunes is all about, giving a second look to the songs of a show that might not have had the story to back them up. Unfortunately these songs written by Menken and Slater are utterly forgettable, cliché and move no element of the weak story along. Which begs the question, what was Showtunes trying to showcase here? With the myriad underdone shows out there with great songs why focus your attentions on this dud that only managed 25 previews and 19 performances on Broadway despite having star power in it like Raul Esparza, Kendra Kassebaum, and Leslie Odom Jr?

The Showtunes version did have its own star power. Hobson (who was also in the original production) sells the duplicitous preacher well enough although doesn't show much chemistry with Ankrim making us wonder why they get together. And LeValley along with Marlette Buchanan, Claudine Mboligikpelani Nako, and Loucas Curry plus the rest of the amazing ensemble lend some fantastic voices to their roles as well. But it's star power and fantastic voices singing barely passable songs. It's just not enough.

All this leads me to a confused MEH with my three letter rating system. Confused as to why this show and a MEH only due to the great voices. But honestly those great voices could have just articulated the notes of the songs without words and I would have had the same feeling and that leads me back to my original point, not all shows need a revival. Even ones about revivals. Their upcoming productions of "Defying Expectations: A Showtunes Cabaret" or "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" look much more promising but this one could have been left on the shelf.

"Leap of Faith" from Showtunes performed at Benaroya Hall December 3rd and 4th. For tickets or information on their upcoming shows visit them online at www.showtunestheatre.org.

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