LIZARD

Musical oddities don’t get much odder, musical, or worth seeing than LIZARD, the misfit musical treasure at the NoHo Arts Center.
A chorus line of singing retards, a soft-shoeing shoe salesman and a bad musical version of ‘The Tempest,’ a musical of, by and for misfits. Based on a novel about a boy who is so ugly his Mother won’t admit he’s hers, he gets mistaken as “the ugliest dog I’ve ever seen.” The story connects with the unconnectable with so much genuine heart and soul thar one forgives it’s obvious flaws.
Fluidly directed by James J. Mellon, his expert focus on storytelling covers up many holes (which after an post-show Q & A, he is very aware of and is part of the show’s changing growth process.)
Set in the Deep South in the 70’s the beautiful scene design of Craig Siebels, sturdied by a large tree center sgae with deep-reachging roots foreshadowing the emitonal core of the show.
The score by Scott DeTurk and James J. Mellon is refreshingly melodic yet character driven. Unfortunately the melodies are used as underscoring repated far too many times, like a music box wound tight, repeatedly too much of a good thing.
The biggest hindrence is the clunkily uneven cast. From Broadway veteran to stock character actors who shouldn’t be singing, the level of talent varies greatly. James Barbour, Broadway ‘Beauty’s” Beast, obviously stands out and luckily is the emotional core of the show. His beautifully rich singing povides the neded emotion. David Eldon as Lizard isn’t quite ugly or odd enough to stand out and unfortunately his singing isn’t good enough. J. R. Mangels stands out as one of the three very funny school retards. Janet Fontaine gives a deeply touching performance and Cortney Wright is sugar sweet. The rest of the cast don’t do the material justice.
In this terrific first incarnation, LIZARD has a promising future. The tap number by the singing retards (no offense meant or intended) is reason enough to see the show, but bring plenty of kleenex, there’s lots witin this hidden treasure.