Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Joe Iconis and Joe Tracz’s peppy musical adaptation of BE MORE CHILL addresses high school anxiety, eurpohically

• By drediman
• August 13, 2018
• No Comments

Will Roland and the cast of Joe Iconic and Joe Tracz’s “Be More Chill” at the Pershing Square Signature Center.

This weekend, I caught Joe Iconis and Joe Tracz’s Be More Chill, which recently opened, triumphantly, at Off-Broadway’s Pershing Square Signature Center. Adapted from the 2004 book by Ned Vizzini, the musical tells the story of one nerdy, uncool Jeremy Heere who takes a science fictional pill (known as a “Squip”) in order to up both his self-esteem and his popularity in high school, to predictably unsavory results. The musical’s highly anticipated New York premiere – in fact, the production’s run is already sold out – lives up to its viral hype. Indeed, based on the level of energy and enthusiasm in the theater at the performance I attended, I wouldn’t be surprised to see this production ride the musical’s momentum all the way to the galaxy known as the Great White Way.

Even though the show thematically shares much in common with other hit high school musicals like Mean Girls and Dear Evan Hansen – particularly that of teenage anxiety – I’d say the show in spirit feels like a closer kin to SpongeBob SqurePants (or even that Off-Broadway cult favorite Zanna, Don’t!). Both are fueled by and soar on the wave of unadulterated, unabashed euphoria. For Be More Chill, Mr. Iconis has written an accomplished score that’s driving, sassy, and sweet, played stirringly by a mostly offstage band. Mr. Tracz’s book is a graphic novel come to life, effortlessly combining B-movie sensibility with fond, geeky nods to plenty of vintage pop cultural references from many of our childhoods (e.g., 8-bit video games, 80s zombie flicks, Saved by the Bell) to create cartoonish bubblegum pop with tons of heart. One of the chief pleasures of the piece is that it gives off the seemingly uncomplicated impression that its creators are boys simply at play, albeit often times naughtily and smirkingly.

Stephen Brackett’s tight, peppy staging is a pixelized treat (kudos especially to the inspired work by lighting and projection designers Tyler Micoleau and Alex Basco Koch, respectively). He’s aided by a tireless, pumped-up cast of just ten, led by a lovable, heartfelt performance by Will Roland, late of the Tony-winning Dear Evan Hansen, that’s bound to make him a star. Other notable turns came from the appealing George Salazar (his soulful rendition of the anxiety-driven anthem “Michael in the Bathroom” stops the show) and the coolly handsome Jason Tam (here an intentional dead ringer for “Marrix”-era Keanu Reeves). But really, each one of these talented young actors was an idiosyncratic delight, and each get ample opportunity to shine on their own, which they most certainly do.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

BE MORE CHILL
Off-Broadway, Musical
The Irene Diamond Stage at the Pershing Square Signature Center
2 hours, 20 minutes (including an intermission) 
Through September 30