The Boy Detective Fails

A Signature Theater presentation of the musical in 2 functions with book by Joe Meno, music and lyrics by Adam Gwon, in line with the novel by Meno. Directed by Joe Calarco.Billy Argo - Stephen Gregory SmithPenny Walnut - Anika LarsenThe Boy Detective Fails," author Joe Meno's cool novel about life's mysteries, constitutes a thought-invoking season-opener at Signature Theater, 1 of 2 new shows premiering in repertory in the facility with shared ensemble. Although it's enhanced by Adam Gwon's sturdy score, audiences might find it difficult to comprehend Meno's disjointed and from time to time over-precious book. On set designer Derek McLane's otherwise empty stage, the suburbs is portrayed by a variety of miniature structures which are from time to time moved about as well as rose into by cast people. But this is not Grover's Corners, despite frequent memory joggers of Thornton Wilder's "Our Town." There is a miscreant hiding behind every tree, it appears, and also the local people obsess in song and story about evildoers and also the unknown. Stephen Gregory Cruz plays with disarming innocence the musical's protagonist, Billy Argo, who like a youthful lad solved numerous local mysteries supported by his kid sister, Caroline, as well as their nerdy friend, Fenton. But which was before Caroline (Margot Seibert) committed suicide, and Billy spent ten years inside a mental hospital attempting to cope. Now he really wants to discover why she made it happen. Because the plot-driven piece moves along under director Joe Calarco's steady pace, a range of eccentric figures is introduced including free-spirited kleptomaniac and proverbial lost soul Cent Walnut, refreshingly performed by Anika Larsen. Cruz and Larsen synergy for many of Gwon's best tunes, including "As Lengthy when you are Here" and "Little Mysteries." Seibert's vocals will also be enjoyable, particularly the early number, "Caroline." Choreographer Karma Camping embellishes several ensemble amounts with lively dancing. Using its unconventional message and intriguing approach, "Boy Detective" has potential. However for starters, it must rein in the rambling story and lasso a minumum of one annoying character, an evil professor who's seriously overexposed. Tunes: "Prologue," "Billy Argo, Boy Detective," "Caroline," "Old Buddies," "Mr. Mammoth's Existence-Like Mustache," "What's Your Condition, Billy Argo?/Haunted Toy Factory," "Evil," "Amazing," "Around the #1 Bus/The Chase," "As Lengthy when you are Here," "I Love (The Key Song)," "After Secrets/Haunted," "That's All," "No Such Factor," "Little Mysteries," "Around the Bus #2," "Allow Me To Help You Save,Inch "Finale"Choreographed by Karma Camping. Music direction by Gabriel Mangiante. Set, Derek McLane costumes, Kathleen Geldard lighting, Chris Lee seem, Matt Rowe orchestrations, Michael Morris. Opened up, examined Sept. 10, 2011. Runs through March. 16. Running time: 2 Hrs 15 MIN.With: Evan Casey, Sherri L. Edelen, James Gardiner, Tracy Lynn Olivera, Margo Seilbert, Thomas Adrian Simpson, Russell Sunday, Harry A. Winter. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com