Be More Chill

Be More Chill
Book by Joe Tracz. Music and Lyrics by Joe Iconis. Phoenix Theatre. Directed by Benjamin Albert. Memorial Hall, Spearwood, WA. May 18 – Jun 2, 2018

Be More Chill is a relatively new musical, based on Ned Vizzini's novel of the same name, with a book by Joe Tracz and Music and Lyrics by Joe Iconis. Strangely for a show which is yet to have a Broadway (or even Off-Broadway) run, it also has an “underground” or cult following, which has led to capacity houses and requiring Musical Director Krispin Maesalu to make (an obviously 'once burned' announcement) that audience members are requested not to sing along “even if you DO know all the words”.

The show centres around highschooler and social outcast Jeremy Heere (a very likeable performance by Charlie Darlington), who joins the school play in order to get closer to the beautiful Christine (a lovely Dylan Dorotich). School bully Rich Goranski (a strong Aaron O'Neill) tells Jeremy about a pill called a “super quantum unit intel processor” or SQUIP, which he promises will change his life.

The cast have a clear ensemble camaraderie and work well as a team, Stand-out performances include Peter Ho as Jeremy's best friend Michael. I have not seen Peter perform before - and believe he is new to Perth – definitely a talent to watch. Joshua Towns is striking in a very strong portrayal of the SQUIP, an ultra-cool computer generated image who sets out to improve (but destroy) Jeremy's life.

All of the ensemble give focused, realistic performances which work well in the highly unlikely scenario. Shannon Rogers and Stephanie Beckham are convincing as cool girls Chloe and Brooke, Jarvys McQueen-Mason is a worthy love-rival as Jake and Tegan Breann Joyce seizes her moments as school gossip Jenna. Andrew Dawson is great as Jeremy's Dad, but is probably a little too distinctive to double in the ensemble, and Milo Watson is miscast as the scary stock boy but is a great ensemble performer. Pat McMahon completes the cast nicely as drama teacher Mr. Reyes. The Phoenix production forgoes an additional ensemble, meaning the core cast are working especially hard.

First time director Benjamin Albert keeps the pace moving (which was good as the show started late and interval was over-long) and shows promise. Phoenix is a challenging space, and the blocking allowed for this in some innovative ways. Choreography is very clever with some shining moments – especially the 'chair' dancing.

While lighting wasn't the best that I have seen in this venue, sound balance was good, and both band and singing voices were strong. Emma Mondy's Theremin was a highlight.

Great to see a show with a broad and different appeal bringing new audiences to our community theatres.

Kimberley Shaw

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