Genre: Musical
Written by: Neil Genzlinger, based on the novel by Darryl Ponicsan.
Music and lyrics by Julia Darling and Andrew Sherman
Directed by: Michael Weitz
Performed by: Julia Dingman, Kevin Draine, Walker Joyce, Kevin
Mambo, Ron McClary, Ax Norman, Mason Pettit, Tom Shillue, Mary Testa
Running time: Two hours, 15 minutes
Web site: lastdetailtheplay.com
A hapless, young naval recruit is initiated into manhood (or at
least machismo) while being escorted to prison by two cynical servicemen.
His well-intentioned mentors simultaneously undergo their own bitter
realization that "just following orders" is no way to live. With
its parallel character developments and picaresque narrative, Darryl
Ponicsan's novel has the potential to translate from page to stage
in fine fashion. Indeed, Robert Towne's 1973 screenplay adaptation
made a wonderfully understated film with Jack Nicholson and Randy
Quaid. So what went wrong with this musical? Songwriters Julia Darling
and Andrew Sherman inexplicably bypass nearly every built-in musical
opportunity in the story line including the loss of virginity, the
learning of semaphores, the tour of D.C. and the satirized Buddhist
service. Meanwhile, Neil Genzlinger's lurching libretto either builds
to songs that never happen or is interrupted by tunes that don't
need to be heard. A miscast Tom Shillue as the central rube further
undermines the production, although a better actor couldn't have
saved it.Drew Pisarra
Where: The Lucille Lortel Theatre
When: Tue, Aug 24 at 3:15 p.m.; Wed, Aug 25 at 5:30
p.m.; Fri, Aug 27 at 7:45 p.m.; Sat, Aug 28 at 11 p.m.
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