Review: The World Premiere of Andrew Lippa's THE MAN IN THE CEILING at Bay Street Theatre

In their ongoing effort to support new works, the Bay Street Theatre kicks off their 26th main stage season with the World Premiere of Andrew Lippa's latest musical The Man In The Ceiling. Running through June 25th, this endearing production, directed by Tony winner Jeffrey Seller, boasts a stellar cast and creative team. And judging by the very enthusiastic, packed house opening night, you may want to get your tickets quickly.

Based on the beloved novel by Pulitzer Prize winner Jules Feiffer - who does the book for this stage incarnation - the story centers on Jimmy Jibbett, a talented cartoonist. While young Jimmy is doing something he loves, he is regarded as a disappointment to his unsupportive Father (portrayed by Danny Binstock) who wants Jimmy to at least play baseball. His ever-busy Mother (portrayed by Nicole Parker) is not much better, although she is concerned about her brother Lester who lives with them. Lester writes musicals - flops as of late - and we find Lester struggling to write a hit love song. It seems Jimmy's only support comes the characters he invents in his comics.

A gifted Jonah Broscow excellently portrays Jimmy. Indeed if Jonah continues this trajectory and to hone his craft, I'm sure we'll soon see him on a Broadway stage. The emotion Jonah exudes is top-notch and has a great voice to boot.

Grammy and Tony nominee Mr. Lippa beautifully portrays Jimmy's supportive Uncle Lester. In an interview in the show's playbill, Mr. Lippa explains how he saw himself in Lester (and all of the characters) when he read Mr. Feiffer's book and this truly shines through in his effortless portrayal. His performances of "I Do What I Do" and "Mr. Floperoo" are definitely audience favorites.

I also really enjoy Brett Gray's performance as Charlie Beemer, a boy Jimmy goes to school with. Though Charlie is a sort of a bully, Brett's energy, particularly with the other characters he portrays, is infectious and you could see his smile from the last row. Also a highlight is Erin Kommor as Jimmy's older sister Lisi. I find that at certain points she perhaps plays the role a little too juvenile, but it is apparent she is having a wonderful time in the show.

The entire company is brilliant as is Mr. Seller's creative team.

The first thing your eyes immediately go to as you walk into the theatre is the set by Tony nominee/Emmy winner David Korins' (and this is not only because you walk next to it going to your seat). They make fantastic use of the intimate stage. Uncle Lester's work area - consisting of a piano - is on a second level and some interesting steps lead down onto the main part of the stage. White walls raise behind them in the form of graph paper and projections - by Daniel Brodie and Mr. Feiffer - are utilized for the different rooms of the house. This is stunningly enhanced by Tony winner Howell Binkley's lighting design and Emmy nominee Spencer Liff's entertaining choreography that well accommodates the stage.

And so, The Man In The Ceiling is a great start to Bay Street's main stage season. It will be very exciting to see how this show develops. A superb cast and charming story make for a great night of theatre.

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The Man In The Ceiling is presented by Bay Street Theatre of Sag Harbor, Long Island, through June 25th. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 725-9500 or visit www.baystreet.org.

Book by Jules Feiffer, Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa, Directed by Jeffrey Seller, Choreography by Spencer Liff, Music Supervision by Will Van Dyke, Musical Direction by Ryan Fielding Garrett, Set Design by David Korins, Costume Design by Sarah Laux, Lighting Design by Howell Binkley, Projections Design by Daniel Brodie & Jules Feiffer, Puppet Design by Rick Lyon & Jules Feiffer, Sound Design by Walter Trarbach, Props Design by Andrew Diaz, Hair & Makeup Design by Meg Murphy, and casting by Stewart/Whitley.

Starring Jonah Broscow as Jimmy Jibbett, Andrew Lippa as Uncle Lester, Erin Kommor as Lisi, Brett Gray as Charlie Beemer, Danny Binstock as Father and Nicole Parker as Mother.

Photo by Lenny Stucker