[title of show] @ Assembly Check Point

Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen decided to write the kind of musical that they would want to see, a show that would, in the words of one of the cult musical’s songs, be nine people’s favourite thing rather than a hundred people’s ninth favourite thing. The result is a delightfully meta piece that revels in obscure musical references, in-jokes, name drops and asides practically gift-wrapped for the hardcore Broadway geeks of the world. Make no mistake, [title of show] will separate the casual musical fans from the true devotees.

Cheerfully low budget and light on props, this is a musical happy to let the music and lyrics do the talking over extravagant sets and effects (the norm for the Fringe but practically unheard of on Broadway today). Hunter and Jeff, joined by their friends Heidi and Susan, gleefully play with and poke fun at the conventions of storytelling with a wink to the audience and the accompanying pianist dragged along for the journey. The extremely talented and charming foursome hold the audience’s attention without bells and whistles (with special kudos to Carley Stenson who brings many laughs as the wisecracking Susan), and the show’s breezy 80 minute running time passes by in a flash.

While some songs stand out (including the motivational genius of Die Vampire Die), particularly in the stronger first half, others fade into the background. The self-referential nature of the show may grate on some but the show is tightly structured and aware of its quirks. [title of show] is definitely not for those who can’t tell Schwartz from Sondheim, but for the Broadway geeks of the world looking for a charming underdog that wears its huge heart on its sleeve, it’s a must see.