Be More Chill
Tickets from $49 Buy Tickets
Cititour.com Review
Since so many teens feel “different” – let’s even say unpopular – during high school, it’s no surprise this subject is constantly being mined in literature, television and theater. And usually, no matter what the form, it meets with an enthusiastic response from its target audience. Such is definitely the case with the new musical “Be More Chill,” which has amassed a wildly enthusiastic following even before the official opening.
However, adults (especially those attending without the young ones) may be less inclined to swallow this Chill pill. Despite the committed work of a first-rate cast, a superbly polished technical production (kudos to the equally inventive sets by Beowulf Boritt, costumes by Bobby Frederick Tilley III, lighting by Tyler Micoleau and projections by Alex Basco Koch), and the lively direction of Stephen Brackett and choreography of Chase Brock, the 2 ½ hour show can too often feel like a cocktail made of equal parts “Dear Evan Hansen,” “Mean Girls” and, ultimately, “Little Shop of Horrors” as concocted by an inexperienced mixologist.
Indeed, while Joe Tracz’s book, adapted from Ned Vizzini’s young adult novel, hits all the expected notes about bullying, isolation, and fighting to find your authentic self, it’s also frequently simplistic and overlong. And Joe Iconis’ spirited pop-rock score is surprisingly repetitive and rarely displays the sharp wit of his more adult-oriented shows.
The work’s focus is on the nerdy Jeremy Heere (an endearing Will Roland), living in New Jersey with his depressed, now-single father (Jason SweetTooth Williams), hanging out with stoner and video game-obsessed bff Michael (the excellent George Salazar) and, while in school, being ignored or taunted by his classmates. In a misguided quest for popularity – and to win the heart of the sweet, confused Christine (the superb Stephanie Hsu) -- he takes the advice of former “loser” Rich (a convincing Gerald Canonico) and purchases a “squip,” a pill-sized supercomputer from Japan that takes over your brain.
Soon, this mechanized marvel (embodied by the ethereal if underused Jason Tam) has reprogrammed Jeremy, allowing him to fit in with cool girls Chloe (Katlyn Carlson), Brooke (an amusing Lauren Marcus) and Jenna (the big-voiced Tiffany Mann), not to mention studly Jake (Britton Smith), who has set his eye-roving sights on Christine.
Of course, Jeremy loses himself in the process, even abandoning the ever-faithful Michael (whose aria-like solo, “Michael in the Bathtub” is the show’s musical highlight). Worse yet, he actually fails to gain Christine’s love -- until drastic action has to be taken during the school’s futuristic production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” (That concept could have been whole lot funnier if explored more fully.)
Admittedly, I am no longer 16. (I barely remember high school.) But, I still believe had the show simply been more original, “Be More Chill” might not have left me quite as cold. [Reviewed while Off-Broadway]
By Brian Scott Lipton
Visit the Site
https://www.bemorechillmusical.com
Cast
Will Roland, George Salazar, Stephanie Hsu, Gerard Canonico, Katlyn Carlson, Tiffany Mann, Lauren Marcus, Britton Smith, Jason SweetTooth Williams, Jason Tam
Open/Close Dates
Opening 3/10/2019
Closing Open-ended
Box Office
212-239-6200
Theatre Info
Lyceum Theatre
149 West 45th Street
New York, NY 10036
Map
Comments
Sign up for our newsletter !