Review of "Girlfriend"

The musical Girlfriend, playing at Theaterworks through April 28^th, is a playful, sweet, and satisfying coming-of-age show.  The songs in the work are taken from the 1991 rock album, “Girlfriend,” by Matthew Sweet.  Playwright Todd Almond has crafted an effective storyline around the musical compositions, placing the action in Nebraska during the early part of the 20^th century.  The two-person, 85-minute production focuses on Will (David Merino) and Mike (CJ Pawlikowski), two recent high school graduates.  Will, who is gay, seems to have no close friends.  Mike is an all-around athlete, member of the high school Prom Court, and has a steady girlfriend.  The two are polar opposites...maybe.  Right after graduation Mike, who has never said a word to Will, hands him a mix-tape (a cassette tape of assorted songs) and invites him to the drive-in movies.  Perplexed, and seemingly intrigued, Will accompanies Mike to the movies and, soon, a friendship, unexpectantly, begins to blossom.  Or is the developing relationship becoming something more?

Todd Almond has fashioned a plot that is honest and reflective of the attitudes and behaviors of the time-period.   In today’s world, the simplicity and straightforwardness of two young men exploring their sexuality comes across as unremarkable.  However, in 1991, especially in middle American, the prejudice, fear, and isolation such a relationship would trigger were very real.  Almond gingerly, but with forthrightness, presents the twosome’s budding rapport with sensitivity and candor.

The musical compositions by Matthew Sweet fit perfectly into the dramatic arc of the story.  Many of the song title’s—“Reaching Out,” “We’re the Same,” “Your Sweet Voice,” and “I Wanted to Tell You”—just about outline the main plot points of the show.  Most of the numbers are full of energy and passion.  They are performed by a tight, rollicking five-person on-stage band under the superb direction of musical director Evan Zavada.

David Merino and CJ Pawlikowski are talented young actors that intelligently and deftly convey the rollercoaster emotions, confusion, and awkwardness the characters feel.  The two work well together as they move from uncertainty and ambiguity to more sure-footed ground.

Director Rob Ruggiero, using very little in the way of scenery and props, manages to bring an exuberance and radiance to the production. By placing much of the action at the foot of the stage, the audience feels more connected to the characters and the show itself.  Ruggiero lets the plot unfold without any unnecessary flourishes or embellishments.  At times, he lets the score’s pulsating beats express the joys and heartaches felt on-stage.  At other points, unspoken silences between the two actors communicate more than pages of dialogue could convey.

 

Girlfriend, taking place in Theaterwork’s temporary quarters of the Wadsworth Antheneum during the company’s renovation of its home theater.