Reviewed by Suzanne Angeo (Member, American Theatre Critics Association)
and Greg Angeo (Member Emeritus, San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle)
Photos courtesy of Sean Carter Photography
(seated) Noah Barnes, Amber Hurst Martin (standing) Liam Fennecken, Ron Williams
Secrets Revealed in “A Little More Alive”
Meadow Brook Theatre’s latest offering marks the Michigan premiere of “A Little More Alive”, a 2014 musical dramedy about a family secret revealed at a mother’s funeral that could change forever the lives of two brothers and their father.
American actor/writer Nick Blaemire created “A Little More Alive” while he was still in his 20s, after the one-two punch of appearing in John Waters’ “Cry Baby” and his own one-night wonder, the rock musical “Glory Days”, in 2008. Blaemire went on to star in the 2016 revival of Jonathan Larson’s “Tick Tick…Boom” off Broadway (Larson had achieved fame in 1994 with his revolutionary musical “Rent”, transforming musical theatre, before his untimely death in 1996). “A Little More Alive” had its premiere in April 2014 at the Kansas City Repertory Company. Larson’s influence is everywhere throughout the show, from its non-rhyming lyrics to its contemporary free-form musical style to its creative storytelling that includes home movies projected onto an upstage wall.
Liam Fennecken, Noah Barnes
Maggie, a wife and mother, has died too young, and her grieving husband, Gene, and their two twenty-something sons, Nate and Jeremy, gather with friends at the family home for her funeral. There’s tension in the air between the estranged brothers – rudderless Nate and workaholic Jeremy (nicknamed “Germ”). The opening number, “Pot at a Funeral”, pretty much sums up Nate’s attitude towards life. Jeremy can’t wait to get away, back to work and his girlfriend. But letters written by Maggie turn up and reveal something that rewrites every memory the boys have of their mother, all preserved in the home movies they watch after the funeral. This revelation ultimately brings everyone closer, and brings forgiveness and insight back into their lives.
MBT veteran Ron Williams delivers a powerful performance in song and movement as Gene, a father in denial. Newcomer Noah Barnes possesses an outstanding voice and real authority in the role of hard-driving Jeremy. Liam Fennecken as the depressed and aimless Nate infuses his character with likeability and empathy. Rounding out the excellent cast is Amber Hurst Martin as hospice worker Lizzie, Melanie Frasca as Molly and last but not least, Katie Johnson as the vivacious Maggie (as seen in the home movies).
Melanie Frasca, Liam Fennecken, Noah Barnes
Director Travis Walter puts all of his creative talents to work in keeping the 95 minutes (no intermission) moving along. There are nice touches in staging, with moveable set pieces forming different rooms, a basement and even another house.
Even with all this amazing talent assembled and brought to the fore, it struggles to overcome the inherent weakness in the material. The plot seems thin and undeveloped, and the music is repetitive, with many songs sounding almost the same. This show could possibly be more effective as a shorter one-act, with the running time and musical numbers cut in half.
It’s a pleasant enough show, well-executed and worth seeing for the marvelous cast, director and stagecraft.
When: Now through March 10, 2024
Tickets $37 to $46
Where: Meadow Brook Theatre at Wilson Hall
Oakland University
378 Meadow Brook Rd
Rochester Hills, MI 48309
(248) 377-3300
www.mbtheatre.com
Special Note: As COVID-19 is a constantly changing situation, MBT will be monitoring and adhering to the guidance given by the CDC, the State of Michigan, the Actor’s Equity Association, and Oakland University. Check the Meadow Brook Theatre website for the latest information on efforts to keep everyone safe.
This production is made possible through the generous support of the Michigan Arts and Cultural Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation, the Shubert Foundation and the Meadow Brook Theatre Guild.
Meadow Brook Theatre is a professional theatre located on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. MBT is a nonprofit cultural institution serving southeast Michigan for more than 56 years.
