THE PLAY: This is THE original rock musical, with wall-to-wall songs that hit all of the taboos: sex, religion, politics and, of course, drugs.

 

THE PRODUCTION: When a show is all about the music, especially the clever, outrageous lyrics, it’s a major disappointment when the voices are buried by an overbearing band in a muddled mix. That’s only the first frustration in this unfortunate production. The choreography is full of swaying and rolling around on the floor, often in unison, instead of any expressive individual style. The multiple-level set is wasted, because most of the action that takes place down center. (If you get tix, don’t sit in the lobby seats, because the show isn’t staged for you.) As for performances, the characters are full of stoned smiles, instead of genuine love. Matt Polson is an appealing presence, Nicklas Aliff carries the show’s energy and Carolyn Meade’s vocals are potent (Grey Garrett is an embarrassing vocal miscast). To add to the frustration, the lighting is often too dark and badly backlit. What’s the point of a nude scene if you can’t tell?

 

THE POINT: Despite the production’s energy, the largely lost lyrics are a major drawback in the enjoyment of this unfortunate production.

 

(2 / 5)

 

At Firehouse Theatre thru 7/19