"[title of show]"

October 30, 2022 — Yes, that's the title, [title of show], brackets included. The Winnipesaukee Playhouse Education Department in Meredith, New Hampshire, staged this unusual musical, originally presented by Bridge Club Productions in 2004, produced by the Vineyard Theatre in New York City in 2006 and on Broadway in 2008. The "Winni" cast consisted of four appealing, talented teens. They were Miles Sargent as Jeff, Rafael Vazquez as Hunter, Drea Campo as Heidi and Riley DeGange as Susan. Timothy L'Ecuyer directed this production. Judy Hayward was music director and also accompanied on the piano, with occasional comments, as Mary. Matthew S. Crane designed the set and Wendy Davidson the costumes.

With music and lyrics by Jeff Bowen and book by Hunter Bell, the show takes us through its own creative process in dialog and song. The best was a song and dance routine by Sargent and Vazquez early in the performance, complete with bowler hats and canes, laced with profanity, mostly by Vazquez. The Winnipesaukee Playhouse's promos have the disclaimer that the production contains "mature language and some references to mature situations. It may not be appropriate for all audiences." One of the actors was 14 years old. All but one were under 18.

The young, energetic cast kept the 90-minute show without intermission moving at a fast pace. Aside from Sargent and Vazquez's routine described above, I wasn't particularly impressed with the music. But my musical theater tastes evolved in a different generation with the likes of Oklahoma, South Pacific and Brigadoon. The audience definitely was pleased with this production. Upon leaving and looking back on what I had seen, I thought yes, all and all, this was a good show. So I can still say unconditionally I've never been disappointed in a Winnipesaukee Playhouse production.