THE EDUCATION OF RANDY NEWMAN
World premiere on the South Coast Repertory mainstage. Music and lyrics by Randy Newman, conceived by Michael Roth, Jerry Patch and Newman, directed and choreographed by Myron Johnson, musical direction by Roth. Through July 9. Tickets $33-$52. Call (714) 708-5555.
It’s time for a second local opinion about “The Education of Randy Newman,” the new “through-sung music theatre piece”,heck, call it a musical,that’s been wowing audiences for the past month. Featuring the words and music (and nothing but the words and music) of the LA-based songwriter, the show opened to lukewarm reviews in the local dailies, which faulted the production for falling short, dramatically speaking. But better reviews have followed in the trades, and the word-of-mouth has been enthusiastic. Which explains why there’s still some time to see it,the show has been extended an extra week. Approach this production as you would a revue, and you’ll get more than you bargain for: A fantastic cast both vocally and theatrically takes the audience on an entertaining and creatively staged journey through “a songwriter’s” life and mind (Newman is featured in the title and credits but isn’t actually named in the play). Led by Tony winner Scott Waara, the actors deftly interweave biography with social comment, and smartly convey Newman’s unique sense of irony. This is displayed right from the start, with the hauntingly satirical “Sail Away.” The song does double duty here, serving not only as a disturbing commentary on slavery, but as a clever segue into the protagonist’s Southern childhood. The energy level remains high, and the audience itself is rocking by the end of the first act, as the story shifts west, with a rousing rendition of “I Love L.A.” The second act of this long show includes peppy presentations of “It’s Money That I Love,” “Short People” and “You Can Leave Your Hat On,” although this reviewer thinks it bogs down just a little with numbers that track the songwriter’s divorce and second marriage. But at the end of the evening the audience is on its feet applauding, the best review of all.
