Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – The breezy, smart NEUROSIS is a Woody Allen flick come to sassy musical comedy life

• By drediman
• August 21, 2018
• No Comments

The company of Greg Edwards, Ben Green, and Allan Bell’s “Neurosis” at the DR2 Theatre.

This past weekend, Greg Edwards, Ben Green, and Allan Rice’s new musical Neurosis, cleverly subtitled “A Musical that Gets in Your Head”, opened Off-Broadway at the DR2 Theatre. The piece depicts two neurotic New Yorkers – what other kind is there? – as they seek love and career success in the big city. In many ways, the work calls to mind the long-running Avenue Q, which is still going strong back Off-Broadway at New World Stages, in its simultaneously sanitized yet naughty depiction of life in New York (and the glorification of all its ups and downs). Both shows are breezy and smart, and like that Tony-winning musical, Neurosis should play well in the Big Apple.

The writing here is never less than accessibly entertaining. Mr. Green’s music is tuneful and jaunty, while Mr. Edwards’ lyrics are bright and astute without being condescending – this is just the kind of score that this genial brand of musical comedy calls for. As for Mr. Rice’s good natured book, it’s tightly structured if a tad limited in scope. But even if Neurosis doesn’t quite delve into the more complicated aspects and dark underbelly of the neurotic condition, I didn’t really mind. Its positive message of healthily coexisting with our neuroses is worth being reminded of.  It’s also an achievement, and perhaps the creators’ primary objective, that its audiences leave the theater with a bounce in their step. On this count, the musical succeeds.

The production has been efficiently and buoyantly directed by Andy Sandberg. He and his experienced cast of seven make a strong case for the material, with each performer delivering polished, terrifically-sung comedic performances. Their work is amiable, sassy even, and their chemistry with each other was clearly evident at the performance I attended, particularly between the two neurotics and their respective neuroses – yes, the mental condition are alter ego type characters in the musical. Ultimately, the whole endeavor reminds me of one of those intimate, relatably urbane Woody Allen-esque musicals (e.g., I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Maltby and Shire revues) that used to thrive Off-Broadway but one rarely encounters these days, especially on this well-crafted level. Neurosis knows exactly what it wants to be, and it executes wonderfully on its promise.

RECOMMENDED

NEUROSIS
Off-Broadway, Musical
DR2 Theatre
2 hours (with one intermission)
Now booking through October 20