LHG Productions' When Pigs Fly at Phoenix Theatre
(out of 
)Mark S.P. Turvin
(home office) (602) 912-0117
I can be reached for comment via e-mail at: mspt@goldfishpublishers.com
Reviewed 6/23/00
(out of )Among the things the Phoenix theatre community has been missing as it grows into a respectable establishment befitting the sixth largest city in America is a consistent voice for the gay and lesbian community. Sure, The Alternative Theatre sporadically mounts productions, and In Mixed Company still has its moments. But just as there is a place for low-tech, low-risk musical cabaret, there is also a need for those ten-percenters, who probably make up about fifty percent of the theatre community, to have their own venue. Filling that void, at least until July 9th, is Howard Crabtree's When Pigs Fly. The newly formed LHG Productions (Producer Lyman H. Goodrich) has grabbed some of the best talent in the valley, and flung the closet door open, offering valley theatregoers a celebration of all things gay. True, a lot of this material is a retread of other pride-filled presentations, but it does have some highly engaging moments, and some performances that will knock you back on your (high) heels.
At the center of this cute musical is Howard Crabtree, the evenings lead, director, producer, and designer. He is a young performer desperately trying to exorcise his Missouri roots and mundane career tracks by embracing his inner Dream Curly, the role in a high school production of Oklahoma that gave him a taste of the spotlight, and an understanding of his sexual inclination. With the help of a group of proudly-out actors and musicians, he tries to mount this evening nearly single-handedly, observing such topics as unrequited love, single sex marriages, and the art of drag. By the end of the evening, with his jury-rigged production toppling, Howard discovers a unique way to kill the spirit that haunts him.
If there's one thing Director Jim Linde's production is not lacking, it's bravado. Every one of the five performers has completely invested themselves in this evening. Even when songs fall flat, or Producer/Choreographer Goodrich's dance numbers border on unsynchronized chaos, the ensemble brings the audience into the action, and work it into the script as much as possible. Mr. Linde seems to be perfecting his command of camp, and lets the performers go on a very long leash. Some bits, such as the extended pre-show action, simply don't work, but it's not for a lack of trying. When he does bring the cast together, as in the hilarious finish to the first act, "A Patriotic Finale," it is a joy to watch. There's also a wonderful bit that involves audience participation (which your humble reviewer was "dragged" into) in "Hawaiian Wedding Day" that is so effectively staged, many audience members thought I was prepped prior.
Playing desperate thesp Howard is Greg Marzullo, who sings, dances and acts his part to perfection. He is so earnest, and so committed, there's no doubt that Mr. Marzullo is very familiar with Howard's plight. Hal Adams, who portrays several roles, including Howard's nemesis, guidance counselor Mrs. Roundhole, is utilized not only for his impressive singing voice and solid dance skills, but for his Adonis-like physique, which figures into several of his performances. D. Scott Withers is once again a great mix of funny and sincere. He leads the group through the clever first act finale, and does the best drag turn in his uproarious "Bigger is Better," proving that in the right role, he can be the best looking woman onstage. The irascible Jerry Wayne Harkey, whose many drag roles are camp personified, is hilariously bitchy throughout, and does a great job as Musical Director with his two piece band. Surprisingly, through most of the evening, the weakest vocal performance comes from Michael Barnard. A very strong and soulful presentation of "Laughing Matters," and his solid dance offerings ultimately redeem this.
The production has a necessarily shoestring feel, thanks to Mr. Linde's scenic design, though the colorful lighting by David Vaught, Candy Matteson and Matthew Gnagy's lush costumes, and Manuella Needhammer's makeup and wigs are the perfect balance.
No, this show is not to everyone's taste, but if you're too stodgy for this, then stay home and watch The Waltons. This is a fun evening that celebrates diversity, while giving us somewhat drab straight people a great mix of fun and food for thought.
Production Details:
When Pigs Fly Conceived by Howard
Crabtree, Sketches and Lyrics by Mark Waldrop, Music
by Dick Gallagher
LHG Productions
Phoenix Theatre, Phoenix
(602) 254-2151
June 23rd - July 9th, 2000
