It’s a difficult thing for a reviewer when they are tasked to write a review of something that is extremely dear to them.  [title of show] captured my heart back in 2006 when I stumbled upon its brilliance at the Vineyard Theatre.  An inventive, unique little piece that taps into the heart of any person who dreams about seeing their creative hopes and dreams succeed in a world where money is the only sure bet.  As a struggling artist myself, I immediately connected with the quirky characters who reminded me so much of my own friends, and delighted in the obscure references and clever quips that were meant to endear the veteran theatergoer.  When I heard that SpeakEasy Stage Company would be mounting one of the first regional productions, I was both delighted and fearful- how would a group of actors, no matter how talented, capture the essence of a cast that are essentially playing themselves?  How could I possibly be satisfied seeing strangers in a production that I felt so intimate with?

It was with great trepidation that I entered the Calderwood Pavilion on Sunday.  I was cautiously optimistic to begin with- Speakeasy consistently provides their audience with clever, well-acted shows starring some of the best talent the area has to offer.  I was further encouraged by the fact that this particular production did not include any “Speakeasy Super Stars” or other “Famous Bostonians” because it was easier for me to believe in the actor’s ability to embody Jeff, Hunter, Susan and Heidi without already recognizing them as Zanna, Jerry Springer, Shelly Parker, or Alfie Byrne.  When I sat down and saw the “four chairs and a keyboard” waiting for the show to begin, I took a deep breath, and was ready to let Speakeasy take me for a ride into one of my all time favorite shows.

[title of show] relies a lot on the quirky chemistry of its characters to bring the warmth and vitality to the music- and Speakeasy’s darling cast was full to the brim.  Jordan Ahnquist as Jeff and Joe Lanza as Hunter were a dazzling duo- capturing the charming relationship that Jeff and Hunter share.  Ahnquist is completely adorable- and his voice is perfectly suited for the role.  At times it was difficult to watch anyone else on stage because he just had that “stage presence” that you often hear about and yet somehow cannot define.  Lanza is wonderful as well- especially toward the second half of the show where Hunter’s stress and anger really allow Lanza the opportunity to flex his acting muscles.  Though not as strong vocally, his deep understanding of the character and great physicality make him a worthy partner for Ahnquist.  Amy Barker is phenomenal as Heidi- I would actually consider her to be as good as the original, if it is possible to be as good as someone who is playing herself. Her voice is lyrical and expressive and she is an excellent character study as well, capturing Heidi’s confidence and candor.  Val Sullivan plays Susan with apprehension.  She does give a solid performance; her voice is kooky, her gestures fun- but her delivery was slow and stiff- and at times, she really sucked the energy out of the scene.  She just seemed to lack the polish of her other cast-mates.  I do give her credit though, for smoothly covering her late entrance during “Development Medley” with a clever and unapologetic smile.  That’s not easy to do, especially so early in a run.  Props as well go to Will McGarrahan, music director, who is spot on as Larry, music director!

I am, without question, one of those “Nine People” who considers this show one of their favorite things, and I knew that I would be difficult to please, so I must commend Speakeasy for putting forth a tremendously entertaining production of [title of show].  It may not star the “real” Jeff and Hunter, but I think that it would make them proud (and I hear they are coming to see the show- break a leg and congratulations!).

Val Sullivan, Joe Lanza, Jordan Ahnquist and Amy Barker

Photo:  Mark L. Saperstein.