The Boy Detective Fails

A Signature Theater presentation from the musical by 50 percent functions with book by Joe Meno, music and lyrics by Adam Gwon, good novel by Meno. Directed by Joe Calarco.Billy Argo - Stephen Gregory SmithPenny Walnut - Anika LarsenThe Boy Detective Fails," author Joe Meno's awesome novel about life's mysteries, comprises a concept-invoking season-opener at Signature Theater, a couple of new shows premiering in repertory within the facility with shared ensemble. Although it's enhanced by Adam Gwon's sturdy score, audiences might find it hard to comprehend Meno's disjointed and every once in awhile over-precious book. On set designer Derek McLane's otherwise empty stage, the and surrounding suburbs is described by a number of miniature structures that are every once in awhile moved about in addition to rose into by cast people. But this isn't Grover's Corners, despite frequent pointers of Thornton Wilder's "Our Town." There's a miscreant hiding behind every tree, it seems, as well as the residents obsess in song and story about evildoers as well as the unknown. Stephen Gregory Cruz plays with disarming innocence the musical's protagonist, Billy Argo, who choose a young lad solved numerous local mysteries based on his kid sister, Caroline, in addition to their nerdy friend, Fenton. But that was before Caroline (Margot Seibert) committed suicide, and Billy spent 10 years in the mental hospital trying to deal. Now he desires to uncover why she managed to get happen. Since the plot-driven piece moves along under director Joe Calarco's steady pace, a variety of eccentric figures is introduced including free-spirited kleptomaniac and proverbial lost soul Cent Walnut, refreshingly carried out by Anika Larsen. Cruz and Larsen synergy for a lot of of Gwon's best tunes, including "As Extended when you're Here" and "Little Mysteries." Seibert's vocals may also be enjoyable, specially the early number, "Caroline." Choreographer Karma Camping embellishes several ensemble amounts with lively dancing. Having its unconventional message and intriguing approach, "Boy Detective" has potential. But also for starters, it has to rein within the rambling story and lasso one or more annoying character, an evil professor who's seriously overexposed. Tunes: "Prologue," "Billy Argo, Boy Detective," "Caroline," "Old Pals," "Mr. Mammoth's Existence-Like Mustache," "What's Your Problem, Billy Argo?/Haunted Toy Factory," "Evil," "Amazing," "Round the #1 Bus/The Chase," "As Extended when you're Here," "I Really Like (The Important Thing Song)," "After Secrets/Haunted," "That's All," "No Such Factor," "Little Mysteries," "Round the Bus #2," "Let Me Save,In . "Finale"Choreographed by Karma Camping. Music direction by Gabriel Mangiante. Set, Derek McLane costumes, Kathleen Geldard lighting, Chris Lee appear, Matt Rowe orchestrations, Michael Morris. Opened up up, examined Sept. 10, 2011. Runs through March. 16. Running time: 2 Several hours 15 MIN.With: Evan Casey, Sherri L. Edelen, James Gardiner, Tracy Lynn Olivera, Margo Seilbert, Thomas Adrian Simpson, Russell Sunday, Harry A. Winter. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com