Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – The talent-filled EMOJILAND is lots of fun but as two-dimensional as its namesake

• By drediman
• January 29, 2020
• No Comments

The company of Keith Harrison and Laura Schein’s “Emojiland: The Musical” at the Duke on 42nd Street. Photo by Jeremy Daniel.

Over at the Duke on 42 Street, we have the new Off-Broadway musical Emojiland: The Musical by the writing duo of Keith Harrison and Laura Schein (together, they wrote the show’s score and book). The musical played New York previously for a limited run in a less flashy production as part of the sadly now-defunct New York Musical Festival. An allegory of sorts, Emojiland tells the animated story (pun intended) of a community of emojis that reside within a smart phone; collectively, they deal with notions of diversity, acceptance, and inclusivity.

The pop score by Mr. Harrison and Ms. Schein is generic but generally well-crafted, with several standout moments of genuine inspiration. Their book is also fun, calling to mind the quest-oriented narrative of the underrated — and superior — stage musical iteration of SpongeBob SquarePants, as well as the general overall feel of animated films from the Pixar studio (particularly the excellent Inside Out). Unfortunately, all this translates to a slightly forced musical that is just as two-dimensional as its namesake and the animated movies it appears to emulates. But taken at face value, there’s a good serving of heart to be found and plenty of fun to be had at Emojiland, and the uncomplicated pleasures it has to offer.

Director Thomas Caruso’s eye-popping production (kudos especially to Lisa Renkel and Possible for their spectacular video design and Vanessa Leuck for her appropriately loud costume design) is tight and polished, and his cast at the Duke is one of the most talented and high-powered currently to be found Off-Broadway. Indeed, the production features the likes of Lesli Margherita (Matilda), George Abud (The Band’s Visit), Josh Lamon (The Prom), Max Crumm (Grease), Lucas Steele (The Great Comet), and Ann Harada (Avenue Q) – all of whom seem to be having an infectious good time performing the show — as various recognizable emojis. Particularly and irresistibly rambunctious is the work of the voracious Ms. Margherita as Princess emoji; she practically chews up the scenery whenever she’s onstage.

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EMOJILAND
Off-Broadway, Musical
The Duke on 42nd Street
2 hours, 15 minutes (with one intermission)
Through March 19