review
The Last Detail

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.

 

 
Published August 26, 2004