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Arts and Culture
Theater: 'I Love My Dead Gay Son: The Musical!'
Schedule
- June 15-July 1, 2006. Thurs.-Sat. 8 p.m.
- June 15-July 1, 2006. Thurs.-Sat. 8 p.m.
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| Info: | (512) 476-7833. |
|---|---|
| Cost: | $15 |
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XL Recommended - 6.15.06-6.17.06: A 1980s teen movie ('Heathers') meets campy musical in 'I Love My Dead Gay Son: The Musical,' from the Yellow Tape Construction Company.
-- Jeanne Claire van Ryzin
XL Review - 6.21.06 - Musical Spoof Loves The '80s:
The quick wits behind Yellow Tape Construction Co., one of Austin's newer theater collectives, have an unqualified crowd pleaser in "I Love My Dead Gay Son, The Musical!," their crisp, campy retooling of the 1989 film "Heathers." Directed, designed and acted with unencumbered vibrancy, "Son" fashionably exploits three points of popular interest: high school social hierarchies, the 1980s and (duh!) homosexuality.
"Son" is a pastiche of period Americana, presented in a manner befitting contemporary comedies such as "Family Guy," whose attempts at humor involve assaulting audiences with incessant (and unconnected) cultural references. "Son," like "Family Guy," generally succeeds in these pursuits, though sometimes at the expense of disproportionately targeted ethnic and racial groups (there's really no such thing as an equal-opportunity offender).
Using plot elements from "Heathers" as rest stops along its nostalgic journey, "Son" feels like it was born (however affectionately) from research rather than experience. For example, the show's book writers quote a 1990 episode of "Saved by the Bell" -- a childhood staple for those younger than 25 -- in which Jessie Spano battles a devilish caffeine pill addiction. This and other slightly anachronistic allusions lend a secondhand air to the mostly well-developed spoof, whose authors clearly love the '80s, even if they probably couldn't vote until the '90s.
Five composers worked on the steely "Son" score, which borrows liberally from tunesmiths as diverse as Rick Astley and the Clash. As delivered by director Jonathon Morgan's dogged ensemble of varying vocal talents, the catchy songs recall pop-punk pioneers the Ramones. A potential production flaw, this effect proves charming thanks to the show's setting and committed cast. Standouts Nicole Trumble, Camille Latour and (most hilariously) Breanna Stogner deserve kudos for their work as three girls named Heather who rule their school -- and the stage -- with iron leg warmers.
-- Tommy O'Malley
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