Conch’a Hear It?

Flies! The Musical – Pride Films and Plays

 

Only a pair of twisted, yet very creative minds could’ve conceived of a musical version of William Golding’s young adult psychological horror story, Lord of the Flies. But composer Cindy O’Connor and lyricist/book writer Larry Todd Cousineau have accomplished this feat in a 90-minute parody, now enjoying its world premiere in Chicago. Golding’s 1954 novel about a group of British schoolboys, who become stranded on an uninhabited tropical island, continues to be a best-selling classic. Often required reading in high school literature classes, the book tells how educated English children descend into savagery as they try to survive without adult supervision. As this group of civilized boys regress into a shockingly primitive tribe, their paradise turns primordial.

O’Connor and Cousineau have transformed Golding’s characters into a group of contemporary high school theatre geeks. They’re rehearsing for a production of an unauthorized musical version of Golding’s novel, written by their drama teacher. Driven to an abandoned forest preserve, and left alone to experience what it would be like to survive in the wild, without any adult supervision, the eight boys and girls from Lovely Valley High School begin practicing their play. Strangely, they even find a conch shell in this deserted woodland park to use as a horn to call the group together. As in the novel, it also becomes the symbol of authority in that whomever holds the conch gets to speak.

Mimicking Ralph, the main character of Golding’s story, Rick, is the most popular kid of the cast and is chosen, by majority rule, to be the kids’ leader. As in the novel, the domineering Jake, like Golding’s bully, Jack, challenges Rick for supremacy. Jake’s most devoted ally is an adolescent fashionista named Rhonda. The smartest member of the group is the nerdy, bespectacled girl named Pigtails, a dead ringer for Golding’s perceptive and prudent, Piggy. And Simon, the quieter, more idealistic lad in the novel, becomes Stephen in the musical. Golding’s younger boys, Sam and Eric, or the “littluns,” become Young’un 1 and Young’un 2. Even the adult, British naval officer, who shows up near the end of the book to save the children, has his counterpart in the character of Ranger Pat.

Fans of Lord of the Flies will particularly enjoy this parody, especially as they recognize how cleverly the writers have incorporated many of the novel’s plot points into this musical. Jack smashing Piggy’s glasses; the kids naming their hilltop lean-to shelter “Castle Rock;” a fire being built high on a ledge, as a signal for alerting help; the Beast that speaks (or sings) to Simon; and a wild pig roaming the forest, along with several other animals. The band of children savagely attack, not a hog, but a vending machine and devour its chocolate snacks, which they also rub on their faces and clothing, like blood-smeared, war-painted natives. Even the out-of-control fire that consumes the island near the end of the book, and used to symbolize the end of innocence, is humorously incorporated into the musical’s climax.

The 17 musical numbers are all clever and melodic and either advance the story or help reveal the characters. Pigtails and Rick, upon finding the seashell, are backed by the ensemble with “Conch’a Hear It?” The identical-looking Young’uns set everyone straight with the hilarous “We’re Not Actually Twins.” Stephen delights with “The Flora and the Fauna,” as he frolics with the woodland creatures. Jake and Rhonda prove they’re the antagonists of this show with their rendition of “The Strong Survive.” Even Ranger Pat leads the cast in a rousing, uptempo song and dance called “Everyone’s Inherently Good!”

Directed with tongue-in-cheek tomfoolery, Michael Driscoll mines every ounce of comedy from this inventive script. Jeff-nominated for such outstanding productions as “Carrie: The Musical” and “Barefoot in the Park,” Mr. Driscoll infuses his production with high energy and low humor. He’s ably supported by skilled musical director/accompanist, JD Caudill and mega-talented choreographer, Sawyer Smith. The tunes sound brilliant and bouncy, while the dance numbers add much to the production, making every choreographed moment a showstopper. 

The eight cast members are talented actor/singers who demonstrate great comic timing and dance ability. Leading the ensemble is the exquisite Missy Wise, as Pigtails. A standout in recent area productions of “Sweeney Todd,” “Bonnie & Clyde” and “Amour,” just to name a few, Ms. Wise is likable and mellifluous in her role. With such solos as her strongly-belted ballads, “The Only One Who Sees,” as well as the defiant, “I Won’t Be Left Out Again,” this actress almost walks away with the show. Mario Aivazian, best known from his musical roles in the Hypocrites’ Gilbert & Sullivan adaptations, is excellent as Rick. Jeff Meyer, a standout in “Little Fish” and “Bat Boy,” among others, is terrific as Jake. In the role of Stephen, Nicky Mendelsohn is wonderful as the vegan who’s tempted by a posse of trashcan puppets, called Pork and the Porkettes, with “Eat Me, Stephen.” Christea Parent, a talented regular with Hell in a Handbag productions, is a wonderful surprise as tap-dancing Ranger Pat, as well as playing the nameless Shy Girl. Jayla Williams Craig does well in the role of Rhonda; and the pairing of Ryan Armstrong and Joey Fontanetta are over-the-top outrageous as the Young’uns.

This pricelessly playful parody of “Lord of the…” is as exhilaratingly entertaining as a copy of Cliff’s Notes set the music of Weird Al Yankovic. Directed, musically guided and choreographed with brilliance, and featuring a talented cast of triple-threats, there’s no better way to end the school year and begin Summer vacation than with Pride Films & Plays’ wonderfully funny, tuneful titillation.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas 

               

Presented May 3-June 10 by Pride Films & Plays at the Broadway Theatre of the Pride Arts Center, 4139 N. Broadway, Chicago.

Tickets are available at the box office, by calling 773-857-0222 or 866-811-4111 or by going to www.pridefilmsandplays.com.

Additional information about this and other productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.