REVIEW: ‘Beau: The Musical’ is the intimate show NYC needs right now
Photo: Beau: The Musical stars, from left, Matt Rodin and Jeb Brown. Photo courtesy of Valerie Terranova / Provided by The Press Room NYC with permission.
NEW YORK — Beau: The Musical is the definition of intimate theater. This clever show finishes up its run Sunday, Jan. 4, at the Distillery at St. Luke’s in Midtown Manhattan, with patrons sitting around what appears to be a cool dive bar, awaiting for the songs to come to life mere inches from their seats.
Thankfully the story being told is worthy of this intimacy. The musical, conceived by Douglas Lyons, who wrote the book, music and lyrics, tells the story of Ace Baker (Matt Rodin), a singer-songwriter who begins to unearth some family secrets and vivid memories from his childhood. One of the key figures in his past is his grandfather, Beau (Jeb Brown), who was unknown to Ace until later in life, but once he realized he had a guitar-playing grandfather, he’s enamored and wants to spend as much time as possible with him.
The setup of the show, which also features music by Ethan D. Pakchar, is something akin to a memory play, with Ace in current times opening up his heart during a concert gig in this dive bar, and then the audience is transported back to Ace’s youth to learn more about his relationship with Beau.
Josh Rhodes provides the direction and choreography, and he utilizes every last inch of the Distillery, which is a unique downstairs theater with patrons sitting on all sides of the action, including at a bar where they can buy drinks. Everything feels raw and real, as if the streets of New York City are gone, replaced by a honky-tonk in Nashville.
Rodin, who has been with the role for years, embodies Ace with heart and believability, portraying the pivotal character through different ages and circumstances. He has a powerful singing voice, one that fits the vibe of the show, which is less Broadway and more country-rock. He’s matched perfectly with Brown, who is new to the production, having come from his Tony-nominated role in Dead Outlaw. Together they form a superb duo on stage, and they tell this story with verve and compassion. Kudos to the supporting work provided by Amelia Cormack, Andrew Goss, Ryan Halsaver, Miyuki Miyagi, Max Sangerman and Derek Stoltenberg.
Ultimately, Beau: The Musical becomes a show about coming out as gay in an environment that is less than accepting. Ace’s ascent to the stage is a story of Queer identity and how one learns to accept their life, no matter what outside forces may think. That takeaway is an important one and rings true after spending 100 minutes with this exquisite cast and these stellar songs.
Lyons is quite the prolific creator and writer. His shows have been seen in New York City and around the country, and Beau: The Musical stands as one of his most heartfelt and most rewarding. There’s an authenticity and reality that are achieved in this intimate space that are often hard to create in a theatrical setting.
Beau: The Musical has been on a long journey to its current home in Midtown Manhattan. One wonders if the musical can successfully make the jump a couple more blocks to a Broadway theater. As long as that intimacy is not sacrificed, and the producers find the right theater (perhaps Circle in the Square), Beau will hopefully have a longer life, spreading its message of acceptance and finding one’s voice.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Beau: The Musical, conceived by Douglas Lyons, features music by Lyons and Ethan D. Pakchar. Lyons wrote the book and lyrics, too. Starring Matt Rodin, Jeb Brown, Amelia Cormack, Andrew Goss, Ryan Halsaver, Miyuki Miyagi, Max Sangerman and Derek Stoltenberg. Runtime: 100 minutes with no intermission. Continues through Sunday, Jan. 4, at the Distillery at St. Luke’s in Midtown Manhattan. Click here for more information and tickets.
