333's Jazz at the Museum
Kelsey Kurz and Lauren Molina - Photo by Henry DiRocco
Is there anything more played-out than reality TV? And yet it won’t go away. Its longevity is rivaled only by its inanity. So, a parody of reality television seems superfluous. Nevertheless, reality TV is getting the send-up treatment at the Old Globe’s Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, which is hosting the world-premiere musical comedy Nobody Loves You.
Drawing from The Real World, Survivor and any number of reality dating shows, Nobody Loves You posits after much song, dance and wisecracks that the only love that matters is the real thing; what’s manufactured for voyeuristic cameras and equally voyeuristic TV viewers is all phony baloney. The title of this musical’s fictitious reality show is “Nobody Loves You.” The cynicism mirrors that of our hero, Jeff (Adam Kantor), who becomes a contestant on a program he despises just to make a point with his ex-girlfriend. Of course, he falls for someone else—not one of the other contestants, but Jenny (Jenni Barber), an assistant-producer type. They meet cute and end up that way.
Itamar Moses’ story is full of fun and behind-the-scenes frolic, though it’s obvious from the early-going that two of the other contestants, Christian and Megan, are far more interesting than Jeff and Jenni. Christian (Kelsey Kurz) is an aptly named holy roller, and Megan (Lauren Molina) has a body made for sin. Their contradictions are no match for their chemistry—the hot-tubseduction song “Come On In” is just one of their hilarious moments together. Another peripheral character, Jenny’s gay roommate Evan (Alex Brightman), is Nobody Loves You’s funniest and most outrageous (albeit most overdrawn) character. He even outdoes the antics of Heath Calvert as the reality show’s posturing host Byron. Evan’s hysterical “The Twitter Song” is worth tweeting about.
Gaby Alter’s music and lyrics are glib and, for the most part, not too mushy (“Jeff’s Confessional” notwithstanding). There’s no question that Nobody Loves You is a likable, if fluffy, night at the theater. The whole “reality” metaphor may be labored, but love conquers all, and, in the end, isn’t that what matters?
Nobody Loves You runs through June 17 in the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre at the Old Globe in Balboa Park. $29 and up.
Write to davidc@sdcitybeat.com
Opening
A5678: A Musical Revue: Musical theater at its most meta, this is a revival of a play that opened in the ’70s. The action centers on a cast of a play during the two hours before curtain. Opens May 24 at Welk Resorts Theatre in Escondido.
Coming Attractions: In this comedy, the proprietor of a hotel that had once catered to celebrities who wanted to get away from prying eyes has died, and some colorful folks have come to pay their respects. Opens May 25 at Moxie Theatre in Rolando.
California Suite: Neil Simon’s comedy is made up of four playlets, each about visitors to the Beverly Hills hotel—from New York, Philly, Chicago and London. Opens May 26 (preview night is May 25) at Scripps Ranch Theatre.
Dirty Blonde: An aspiring actress on an annual trek to Mae West’s gravesite meets a film librarian who shares a devotion to the iconic sex symbol. Produced by Cygnet Theatre, it’s currently in previews and opens on May 26 at The Old Town Theatre.
Two by Pinter: The Lover and The Dumb Waiter: A couple of ’50s- and ’60s-era one-acts by acclaimed British playwright Harold Pinter. Opens in previews on May 23; opens in earnest on May 26 at North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach.
Now Playing
Grease: You know the story: Boy meets girl. Boy gets girl. Boy pretends not to like girl. Girl pretends to be slutty to get boy back. Singing. Dancing. The ’50s. Through May 26 at OnStage Playhouse in Chula Vista.
Brownie Points: Deborah Gilmour Smyth directs the Southern California premiere of this new play about five women who discover themselves and each other while on a field trip with their daughters, who are never seen by the audience. Through May 27 at Lamb’s Players Theatre in Coronado.
miXtape: Generation X was torn between disillusionment and hope in this cavalcade of music from the 1980s. Produced by Lamb’s Players Theatre, it runs through May 27 at the Horton Grand Theatre, Downtown.
Trying: It’s the late 1960s and a young secretary is trying to help former Attorney General Francis Biddle get his affairs in order as he tries to cope with old age. Runs through June 3 at Broadway Theatre in Vista.
The Scottsboro Boys: The Scottsboro Boys were nine black kids charged with raping two white girls in Alabama in 1931, and their case was representative of racism in the criminal-justice system. The Scottsboro Boys is a musical based on their story. Through June 10 at the Old Globe in Balboa Park.
Hands on a Hardbody: A musical based on a documentary? Yep. This Playhouse-commissioned play is about 10 contestants trying to win a truck in a battle of endurance, with music by Amanda Green and Phish frontman Trey Anastasio. Through June 17 at La Jolla Playhouse.
Nobody Loves You: In this musical comedy, a grad student of philosophy goes on a reality TV show to send a message to his ex-girlfriend and ends up lighting a new flame. Runs through June 17 at The Old Globe’s Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre.
Respect: A Musical Journey of Women: The evolution of women’s role in society is explored through past top-40 hits in this upbeat musical. Through June 24 at the Lyceum Stage at Horton Plaza.
Crime Pays: A radio game show with dastardly overtones, served up with dinner, is presented by Mystery Cafe at Imperial House restaurant in Bankers Hill.
