Head Over Heels
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Cititour.com Review
Whether you prefer to wear sneakers or stilettos, I suggest you run straight to the Hudson Theatre and catch the enchanting fairy tale of a musical, “Head Over Heels.” And fear not, you don’t really need to have an extensive knowledge of the music of 1980s girl group The Go-Go’s (whose tunes make up the pleasant pop-inflected score of this delicious trifle) or any knowledge of Sir Philip Sidney’s famed 16th-century prose piece “The Arcadia” (since original book writer Jeff Whitty and adapter James Magruder use the work as little more than a sketchy blueprint) to enjoy yourself.
In fact, the only things you need to have fun – which is the primary aim of the show -- are (in no particular order) an appreciation of the stunning visual talents of set designer Julian Crouch and costume designer Ariane Phillips (both of whom do truly outstanding work), a sense of awe while watching eight extraordinary dancers executing the ultra-athletic choreography of Spencer Liff, the ability to laugh loudly, and above all, an open mind to receive all the queer-friendly, feminist, slightly subversive content that has been packed with a firm yet friendly touch into this Elizabethan-era story.
To recap the convoluted, Shakespearean-like plot in its simplest terms: after receiving a potentially devastating prophecy that could spell eternal doom for the kingdom of Arcadia from the oracle Pythio (the beloved transgender artist Peppermint in a very tasty Broadway debut), the proud King Basilius (the ever-reliable Jeremy Kushnier in fine form) deceives his family and entourage by taking them on a journey to nearby Bohemia without telling them what the Oracle predicted. Unsurprisingly, then, Pythio’s prophecies do come true in some form of another; yet a final twist or two allows us (and the characters) a happy ending.
Unlike many “jukebox musicals,” the show’s creative team (including Tony Award-winning director Michael Mayer and orchestrator Tom Kitt) have found both clever and expected ways to integrate the 18 tunes into the show. Yes, “Mad About You” (a solo hit for lead singer Belinda Carlisle) remains a love ballad; “Our Lips Are Sealed” is used to reinforce the idea of a secret love that should not be spoken; and “Heaven is a Place on Earth” provides the backdrop for the show’s one true “sex scene” (rendered with remarkable taste and wit). As for “We’ve Got the Beat,” let’s just say its placement as the opening number is practically perfect. Still, even without the songs (which admittedly do next to nothing to advance the plot), I think “Head Over Heels” could stand on its own as a one-act comedy.
In part, that’s because the eight-member principal cast throws themselves into the proceedings with delightful abandon. Broadway newcomer Bonnie Milligan practically steals the show with her big voice and spot-on comic timing as the vain princess Pamela; the wonderful Rachel York is all sass-and-class as put-upon queen Gynecia; and Andrew Durand is hilarious as the dumb-as-dirt shepherd Musidorus, who eventually dons Amazonian drag to woo Pamela’s younger sister Philaclea (the lovely Alexandra Socha) and finds himself the object of affection of just about everyone except loyal servant Dametas (a very funny Tom Alan Robbins) and his single-minded daughter Mopsa (an endearing Taylor Iman Jones).
Since not all of us can afford a summer getaway, a trip to “Head Over Heels” may be the brief but satisfying vacation we all need.
By Brian Scott Lipton
Visit the Site
https://headoverheelsthemusical.com
Cast
Andrew Durand, Taylor Iman Jones, Jeremy Kushnier, Bonnie Milligan, Peppermint, Tom Alan Robbins, Alexandra Socha, Rachel York
Open/Close Dates
Opening 7/26/2018
Closing 1/6/2019
Preview Open/ Preview Close Dates
Preview Opening 6/23/2018
Closing Open-ended
Box Office
855-801-5876
Theatre Info
Hudson Theatre
139-141 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10036
Map
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