BWW Reviews: Composing [TITLE OF SHOW]

Here is the first line of the review:

It isn't very long - but it will have to do.

Even Madison's most dedicated theatrical hipsters have heard of [Title of Show] - the Broadway musical that effectively parodied a true story as well as the strenuous process of creating art. The show follows the plights of "two nobodies in New York" as they attempt to create an award winning musical in three weeks for the 2004 New York Musical Theatre Festival. Admittedly exploiting their friends for the sake of creative enterprise, Jeff and Hunter hatch their ideas and watch as they begin to fly.

Here is where the actual criticism begins:

[Title of Show] is a difficult musical to stage. As there are only five characters in the entire production, each must exist in every moment to keep up the energy. With just Thomas J. Kasdorf, as Larry, on piano - there is no abundant musical score to fall back on. Without full power behind a performer's voice, the show loses its 'oomph'. That being said, the energy felt low as a general whole for the first half of the show on opening night. It does, however, pick up after the song "Filling Out the Form" and continues to grow from there.

[Title of Show] is drenched in quips and side splitting moments, but it can only reach its fullest potential if every second is energized.

Energy aside - the cast undertook a hefty script of theatrical one-liners, ridiculous dramatizations, and, under the careful direction of Kasdorf and Steven M. Peterson, provided ninety short minutes of comedic relief.

Powerhouse vocalist Daniel Jajewski as Jeff shines the brightest in this cozy cast. Connecting with every instance made his role the strongest. Whether riffing about the purpose of the fourth wall or rocking the choreography by Mari Borowski, Jajewski embodies the theatre geek in all of us.

Alongside Jajewski is Trevor Bass as a charmingly flamboyant Hunter. His softer vocals paired with his lighter

humor make him a perfect co-star. The two have a palpable 'bro-mance' chemistry that gives more life to the comedy.

Borowski as Heidi (Jeff's actress friend) and Danielle Olstad as Susan (Hunter's friend who gave up acting) provide a feminine touch to this testosterone laden musical. While Kasdorf as the, often ignored, pianist chimes in every once in a while to remind the others that the show can't exist without him.

Here is the review wrap up:

Madison Theatre Guild is ending its season with a high note. A production that not only showcases the quality performance MTG can derive from the community, but also one that dutifully explains why theatre people are so protective of their work. It is a living being which requires care, sustenance, and love to thrive.

With that - your opinion is up to you.

This is the last line of my review.

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Direction of a Play - Top 3

1. Joe Mantello - Death of a Salesman

18.8% of votes

2. Duncan MacMillan, Jeremy Herrin - Every Brilliant Thing

18.2% of votes

3. Whitney White - Liberation

10.6% of votes

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