BWW Reviews: MY LIFE IS A MUSICAL at the Bay Street Theatre

It is always exciting to say "I saw the world premiere". You will have such an opportunity if you catch the hilarious new musical My Life Is A Musical by Adam Overett running through August 31st at Sag Harbor's Bay Street Theatre. It is still in its early stages, but the enthusiastic reception seems to indicate that tickets may be in short supply as the production continues its run.

The story revolves around Parker portrayed charmingly by Howie Michael Smith (Broadway: Avenue Q). Parker is an accountant who hates musicals... oh, the irony! It seems - to him - that everyone starts to sing and dance at the drop of a hat. This is a maddening secret for Parker and has succeeded thus far in hiding this from everyone. When he feels he is about to be found out, tries everything he can to make sure this secret is not exposed.

The rest of the eight-person ensemble cast, directed wonderfully by Marlo Hunter, is top notch and each person has their moment to shine.

Kathleen Elizabeth Monteleone (Broadway: Hands on a Hardbody) is wonderful as JT, a rock band manager whom Parker falls for. Ms. Monteleone's beautiful voice perfectly suits Mr. Overett's catchy score and compliments Mr. Smith's Parker well without overshadowing one another. The lead singer of the band JT manages is Zach portrayed by Justin Matthew Sargent (Spiderman - Turn Off The Dark, et. al.). Zach is not exactly the brightest crayon in the box, but Mr. Sargent's endearing portrayal will make you root for him. Netting the most laughs is Robert Cuccioli as Randy, a snooping music blogger. Randy - dressed in dark sunglasses and black trench coat - is trying to get the scoop as to why all of a sudden Zach is writing hit song after hit song.

The rest of the superb cast is comprised of Wendi Bergamini (Broadway: Evita, et. al.), Adam Daveline, Danyel Fulton, and Brian Sills. They each take on several roles throughout the two act production. One of the most comical performances is when they incorporate Ms. Hunter's choreography from familiar shows like West Side Story and Chicago.

Also interesting is David Arsenault's set. Albeit minimal and easy to maneuver, you have to kind of go into your own imagination at points to get the full experience of the scenes... which is fun! This is enhanced beautifully by Paul Miller's lighting and Tony Melfa's sound design. And the band, lead fantastically by Music Director Vadim Feichtner, is hidden away back stage behind a curtain.

And so without question, Adam Overett's My Life Is A Musical is a great way to end a transition season for the Bay Street Theatre. This concludes Scott Schwartz's first season as Bay Street's Artistic Director and it seems they have some exciting works in consideration for next year. A hilarious production and top notch cast make for a wonderful night of theatre.

The world premiere of My Life Is A Musical is presented by Bay Street Theatre of Sag Harbor, Long Island, through August 31st. By Adam Overett, Direction and Choreography by Marlo Hunter, Scenic Design by David Arsenault, Lighting Design by Paul Miller, Costume Design by Amy Clark, Sound Design by Tony Melfa, Prop Design by Kathy Fabian, Stage Management by Marcie Friedman, Casting by Stephanie Klapper, Musical Direction by Vadim Feichtner, Orchestrator is Oran Eldor, Billy Griffin is Assistant Choreographer, and Chris Clark is Assistant Stage Manager. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call 631-725-9500 or visit www.baystreet.org.

Photo by Barry Gordin