BWW Reviews: Utah Repertory Theater Company's BARE is an Exquisite Production of a Feel-Everything Musical

It is rare for a semi-professional or community show to come together as seamlessly as Utah Repertory Theater Company's BARE. It is a case of the right performers and right production team all sharing a personal passion for the material. They have created an exquisite production of a feel-everything musical. Joy, despair, laughter, and tears intermingle among characters and audience alike in a transcendent spiritual communion.

BARE (book by Jon Hartmere and Damon Intrabartolo, music by Damon Intrabartolo, lyrics by Jon Hartmere) has been an underground favorite of contemporary musical theatre fans since its premiere in Los Angeles in 2000 and off-Broadway run in 2004. It follows the paths of a cross-section of seniors at a Catholic high school as they rehearse for their school production of ROMEO AND JULIET and prepare for graduation: popular jock Jason and his roommate Peter, who struggle to deal with their attraction for one another; Jason's twin sister Nadia, who is overweight and suffers from low self-esteem; pretty artist Ivy, who tries to find love in all the wrong places; and more.

Like the iconic television show GLEE, BARE explicitly addresses challenging topics such as suicide, homosexuality, drug and alcohol use, promiscuity, teen pregnancy, body image issues, and bullying. However, it does so in a way that focuses on the characters' evolving relationships with God.

BARE shares common thematic DNA with musicals beloved in Utah: justice and mercy in LES MISERABLES; choices and consequences in INTO THE WOODS; and family and forgiveness in SATURDAY'S WARRIOR.

Many similarities exist between BARE and other rock-pop musicals such as RENT, but the religious and spiritual aspects of BARE are what really make it unique and transcendent. They make the piece universal, especially resonating with Utah audiences (and even those who maybe wouldn't expect to identify with these characters and situations).

Brock Dalgleish as Jason and John Patrick McKenna as Peter inhabit their roles with both strength and vulnerability. These are actors who have lived their characters' struggles, and it shows, especially in their reflective solos "Role of a Lifetime" and "Once Upon a Time."

Katie Evans' Nadia reveals a heartbreaking tenderness beneath her harsh shell. Her solo "A Quiet Night at Home" is an emotional highlight.

Aaron Gordon plays student drug dealer Lucas with effortlessness, and Yoah Guerrero plays Sister Chantelle with warmth and fabulousness. The audience is always rooting for the likeable Thomas Kulkus as Matt, who pines after Ivy.

Other standouts include Emilie Starr as Ivy, Jonathan Scott McBride as the Priest, and Shalee Mortensen Schmidt as Peter's mother, Claire.

The cast is made up of an assortment of real-life high school students, college students, and other more seasoned actors. This combination creates a realistic picture of high school demographics while maintaining strength of performance. Each member of the ensemble is remarkably impressive, regardless of age.

Every performer has a strong singing voice and sings the difficult contemporary music with good vocal technique, thanks to vocal coach Erin Royall Carlson. The live band, led by musical director Anne Puzey, is extraordinary. It is easy to forget that the music is being performed live, which is an astonishing feat.

Director Johnny Hebda has found the emotional beats in the scenes, allowing the mostly sung-through musical to play out organically rather than forced. He, along with choreographer Michael Hernandez, has created dynamic stage pictures that live and breathe. Especially wonderful is a moment toward the end of the show that features Jason's fate. The staging, paired with an impactful projection, is profound.

The projections, created by videographer Bobby Gibson, are a memorable aspect of the production. They highlight the digital world that today's teenagers live in through onscreen texts, social media messages, and photos that are paired perfectly with the action.

The set design by Chase Ramsey and scenic arts design by Amanda Wilson are functional and artistic, as is the costume design by Nancy Cannon, which features insightful symbolism through color.

This is the first, and quite possibly the last, time BARE has been or will be performed in Utah. If you or someone close to you struggles with any of the issues faced by the characters, or if you simply wish to experience a really great contemporary musical, you don't want to miss it.

BARE plays at the Sugar Space Warehouse Theater, River District, through January 31, 2015. To buy tickets and for more information, visit www.utahrep.org.

CONTENT ADVISORY: Please be aware that this production contains content that will be offensive to some audience members. To decide whether the show is right for you, visit Utah Rep's content advisory page at http://utahrep.org/2014-season/2014-season-content-advisories/.

Photo Credit: Alex Weisman/IceWolf Photography. L-R Brock Dalgleish (Jason) and Katie Evans (Nadia)

To post a comment, you must register and login.