Gigantic
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Cititour.com Review
There’s a gigantic heart inside “Gigantic,” the extremely likeable musical now being presented by the Vineyard Theatre at the Acorn Theatre. For all its four-letter words and clever jokes (the book is by Randy Blair and Tim Drucker), though, the show is essentially an old-fashioned romance wrapped inside a welcome message of self-empowerment. The fact that Oprah merits a mention (even in jest) is hardly a coincidence.
“Gigantic” (which was seen in an earlier version called “Fat Camp”) is set during one summer at Camp Overton, a rundown weight-loss camp for teens in Southern Pennsylvania. It is run by long-engaged couple Mike (a game Burke Moses) and Sandy (the always delightful Leslie Kritzer), and is in danger of being closed down; but the show’s main plot has little to do with the adults’ predicament.
Rather, the ultimate question presented here (which admittedly has a foregone answer) is whether the outwardly rebellious, decidedly overweight Robert (a truly charismatic Max Wilcox) -- who has been sent to Overton against his wishes -- will regain both the idolatry of his fellow campers and the love of tough but tender Taylor (the sensational Ryann Redmond), the most level-headed camper in the bunch, once his lies about his recent past are revealed.
And what a bunch it is! Among them are smart-mouthed sexpot Daphne (an excellent Bonnie Milligan), Star Wars-loving Anshel (a fine Jared Lifton), and surprisingly shy YouTube star Darnell (an appealing Larry Owens). Not to mention, there’s sleazy, once-fat, now-thin counselor Brent (the delicious Andrew Durand), Brent's sassy sister Britta (the hilarious Katie Ladner), and razor-thin cheerleader Ashley (the well-cast Taylor Loudermann) who ends up taking temporary residence at Overton as part of Brent's cockeyed plan to get revenge on Robert.
What happens over these two hours and fifteen minutes—friendships are forged, life lessons are learned, confiscated candy is eaten – isn’t monumental, but director Scott Schwartz and choreographer Chase Brock keep the proceedings moving so fast, you won’t ever be bored. They’re helped immeasurably by the delightfully tuneful faux-rock score (by Matthew roi Berger with lyrics by Blair) –which includes a brief but brilliant parody of Broadway’s hottest musical that is sheer genius.
Unlike that show, “Gigantic” may not make musical theater history, but it’s a fine addition to the canon.
By Brian Scott Lipton
Visit the Site
http://www.vineyardtheatre.org
Cast
Andrew Durand, Jennifer Geller, Leslie Kritzer, Katie Ladner, Jared Loftin, Taylor Louderman, Bonnie Milligan, Burke Moses, Larry Owens, Cole Ragsdale, Ryann Redmond, MiMi Scardulla, Nyla Watson, Kalyn West, Max Wilcox
Open/Close Dates
Opening 11/11/2015
Closing 12/20/2015
Box Office
212-239-6200
Theatre Info
Vineyard Theatre
108 East 15th Street
New York, NY 10003
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