There was a striking moment at the talk-back after the entertaining Austin debut of, the Go-Go's jukebox musical now playing at Zach Theatre. Musical director, former Go-Go's bassist, and Austin native and resident Kathy Valentine mentioned her response when Zach czar Dave Steakley said he wanted to create the set with inflatables: There was no budget.
Indeed, this was a stroke of genius on Steakley's part, the floaty sets reinforcing the lightness of the vibe. The Go-Go's music was always a canny blend of punky drive and poppy fluff undergirded by tremendous hooks. In spite of sweet – if rather direct – messaging about gender norms,never takes itself too seriously. Or as Valentine said of the musical group itself as all of the members got older and the stakes decreased,"We eventually embraced that we are a fun band.
Set in the kingdom of Arcadia, a land driven by its all-consuming"Beat," Musidorus is a common shepherd in love with Princess Philoclea . Alas, he isn't exactly royal material according to Philoclea's parents, King Basilius and Queen Gynecia . Then again, their marriage isn't exactly a model of happiness.
And then there's the nonbinary oracle Pythio , who predicts that the Beat will vanish if several of their prophecies come to pass , an oracle to whom it is implied Mopsa's father Dematas is attracted. The action is brisk if occasionally confusing, and the band, led by Valentine and featuring Austin blues guitar lifer Eve Monsees, drummer Kristy McInnis, and Emily Gimble on keys, executes nicely, even if a few songs seemed a little tentative . Hits such as"Our Lips Are Sealed" and"Mad About You" – technically a Belinda Carlisle solo joint – and, of course ,"Vacation" are smartly placed with solid narrative logic.
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Source: WBUR - 🏆 274. / 63 Read more »