Gutenberg! The Musical is a silly show with a silly
premise - the life of Johannes Gutenberg, the creator of the printing
press. Who says you can’t write a musical on any topic? While the idea
and execution supplies smile-inducing entertainment, the show does
begin to run out of steam by its conclusion. However, what makes Gutenberg! a diverting and amusing show is
the comic, full-throttled performances of its two leads – Jeremiah
Michael Ginn (Bud Davenport) and John Wascavage (Doug Simon) – and the
inspired direction of Sasha Brätt. The chemistry and energy of the two
actors and their no-holds-barred scenery crunching provide a constant
supply of tittering. Brätt manages to generate enough schtick and
nuttiness to deliver a show that generates chuckles more than outright
laughter.
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| Jeremiah Michael Ginn and John Wascavage in Gutenberg! The Musical. Photo by Meredith Longo. |
The musical, which debuted Off-Broadway in 2006, tells the story of
Bud Davenport and Doug Simon, two nursing home employees who decide one
day to pen a Broadway musical. They sink their life savings into
writing and producing a one-shot production, minimally staged and with
few props, to impress a big-time producer. They come up with the idea
of the life of Johannes Gutenberg, the creator of the printing press.
When they conduct research - via Google - they discover scant
information about the German inventor, which allows them to create a
piece of historical fiction - emphasis on the fiction.
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Jeremiah Michael Ginn and John Wascavage in Gutenberg! The Musical. Photo by Meredith Longo. |
The plot follows Gutenberg as he transforms his wine press
to the haloed printing press. Complications, of course, ensue. Added
to the mix are assorted townsfolk; Helvetica, the women who loves him;
and, to add a dash of menace and intrigue, a Mad Monk. Ginn and
Davenport portray all the varied roles as they don yellow visored
baseball caps, with a character’s name emblazoned on front. The gimmick
works as Director Brätt weaves in quick changes and even a chorus line
of hats during one number. In between scenes, the characters of Bud and
Doug provide commentary on the show, reveal secrets of stagecraft, and
disclose aspects of their personal lives.
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| Jeremiah Michael Ginn in Gutenberg! The Musical. Photo by Meredith Longo. |
Scott Brown and Anthony King, who collaborated on the book, music,
and lyrics bring a jocular wit and kookiness to the story. Their score, which includes such ditties as "I Can't
Read," "Biscuits," "Stop The Press," and "Monk With Me" works well
within the confines of the musical itself, but you won’t be humming any
of the tunes as you leave the Playhouse on Park theater.
Jeremiah Michael Ginn and John Wascavage are inspired schlemiels.
Their tomfoolery and antics constantly light up the stage. The two
actors are clearly enjoying themselves and play wonderfully off the
audience’s reactions. What impressed me most about their performances
was how diligently they were working to make the show succeed.
John Wascavage and Jeremiah Michael Ginn in Gutenberg! The Musical. Photo by Meredith Longo.
Director Brätt, working within the bare-bone set designed by Arthur
Wilson and the bold lighting design by Kyle Stamm, inserts enough gags
and silliness to keep the production humming smoothly. Even with the
constant barrage of shenanigans, there is a purposeful manner to the
musical, which keeps it from spiraling out of control.
Musical Director Miles Messier, who doubles as an uninterested foil, adds a professional glint to the show.
Gutenberg! The Musical, a beguiling and mirthful diversion, playing at Playhouse on Park through February 8. Click here for dates, times, and ticket information.
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