Jeremy Greenbaum, Ali Gordon, Chase Crandell
It is a shame to have to write about a terrific almost new
musical knowing that it is about to close this weekend (Sunday May 1.) But that
is the case with the disarmingly performed, musically pleasurable, altogether winning
“Crossing Swords” by Joe Slabe (rhymes with The Bay) in which its 20th century
plot pivots off the classic 19th century romantic drama “Cyrano de Bergerac.” It
is a teenaged twist on the old he loves her but she loves another.
If you most likely missed “Crossing Swords” (as I did) when it was first presented as part
of the New York Musical Theater Festival in 2013, you must keep your antennas on
the alert for future productions, some of which are bound to show up on
regional stages across the country. With its play-within-a-flashback-within-a-play
conceit and set in and around the all-boys St. Mark’s Catholic School in 1969
and the all-girls St. Anne’s, the main story is cradled within a present prologue and epilogue.
In the prologue/present, Jeremy (Steven Hauck) is middle-aged
as is Nicky (Sarah Dacey Charles.) These former teens have reunited and choose
to reminisce following a funeral of Sir one of the teachers at St. Marks. Their
memories are primarily of their own romantic experiences as teenagers rehearsing a
production of “Cyrano.”
In the flashback, a very fine Hauck now has the role of Sir a
stuffy, closeted math teacher who has a slightly contentious relationship with Miss
Daignault, the girl school’s French teacher, as played with Gallic esprit by
Charles.) Both Sir and Miss have touching back stories that add a commendable dimension
to their characters.
Back in 1969, Jeremy is played with an appealing exuberance
by Jeremy Greenbaum who has won the role of Cyrano. During rehearsals he finds
that his attraction to his good-looking co-star, best friend and school jock David
(Chase Crandell) is more than simply friendly. With an impressive tenor, Crandell
is splendid as the frustrated, poetry-challenged Christian. As you might
expect, the shy David is enamored of Nicky (a beguiling Ali Gordon) who,
misguidedly has the more effusive Jeremy in her sights.
Friendships all around are strained to the breaking point
and fueled by the constraints of the as yet un-liberated sexual mores of today.
In particular, Sir’s discomforting lecture to the embarrassed Jeremy on the need
for suppressed feelings is a stinging reminder of outmoded psychology.
Pleasures abound within this mangled mingling of three romantic
teens and their seniors and include humor-filled rehearsals, some excellent swordplay
(credit to fight choreographer Trey Compton), and the high level of acting,
under the direction of Igor Goldin. Best of all is the ambitious, bright and
lyrical score by Slabe in which every affecting ballad and ensemble number is beautifully
sung by an exceptionally talented company.
The modest but accommodating setting designed by Bethanie
Wampol serves the action. Of importance there is also an underlying poignancy
to the plot that makes this refreshing musical something very special. So, I
hope that I’ve said enough to get you headed with haste to the production by
the American Theatergroup at the Hamilton Stage in Rahway, NJ.
“Crossing Swords” (through May 1, 2016)
Hamilton Stage at UCPAC, 360 Hamilton St. Rahway, NJ
For tickets ($38.00) call (732) 499 - 8226
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