Lizard Boy – Terrific Talent; Great Fun
Not since Be More Chill, has theater seen a little-engine-that-could piece arrive from out of town with built-in fans. Both shows embed messages in an entertaining, relatable story. Both offer the illusion of scrappy productions. Both meld fantasy with every day familiarity. (Characters in Lizard Boy are somewhat older, street creds updated, and the tale darker.) Having enjoyed the former, you’ll likely have a good time at the latter. If unfamiliar, take the ride anticipating musical diversion with heart, wit, and wisdom.
“…A body made of broken parts…/and memes and cryptic dreams/…No one wants me, wants to know me/All the more reason to stay in here…” Trevor (Justin Huertes) is a recluse who sketches and writes songs. Since a childhood incident, he’s had green, lizard-like skin. Once a year, on Monster Fest, he ventures out, camouflaged by streets filled with costumed people including those dresses as lizards. Last year he met a man (through Grindr) and fell hard, but was summarily dumped and blocked. Should Trevor try to find “him”? He sighs, takes a Selfie, and posts. “Yep, still green.”
Justin Huertas (Trevor), William A. Williams (Cary)
Two new things unsettle the hero’s life: His shoulder intermittently suffers a stabbing pain and he’s having reoccurring dreams about a blonde woman covered in blood. Clues.
Cary (William A. Williams, a Christian Borle look alike) answers the post. Full of trepidation, Trevor goes to the stranger’s apartment. He’s met by sexual aggression. It’s almost puppy-like, and undoubtedly common, but not what the protagonist wants or needs. Too fast. The two part, then reconnect provoked by silly, tender song. Trevor sees a magazine with the woman in his dreams on the cover. Siren (Kiki deLohr) is playing at a rock club called Crocodile nearby. They go to hear her. Trevor heads backstage. An overlapping scene puts us back in Carey’s apartment prior to leaving. (Why out of sequence?) We hear Trevor’s origin tale of a volcano, monsters, soldiers, and green skin. His new friend is sympathetic, not just to Trevor but also the monsters. Perspective counts.
Justin Huertas (Trevor), Kiki deLohr (Siren)
Siren is, to say the least, unwelcoming. She tells her visitor the world will end at sunrise when hundreds of dragons rise out of the earth. With time to kill, however, the performer concedes to letting Trevor sing one of his songs. “After which I’ll kill you,” she adds. He sings something dulcet and hopeful which moves her with its purity. She demands he stay until the coming end of times, but Trevor wants to find abandoned Carey. “At least, he’s real.”
The performer tells him it’s the anniversary of a childhood trauma. It turns out that she and Trevor (his name is a pseudonym) experienced the same event! Her life changed in a very different way as, apparently, did that of everyone present. She’s kept track for her own nefarious reasons. It’s difficult for Trevor to pull away from her power. He finds and appeals to Cary. They repair the nascent relationship. It’s love.
A battle royale ensues. Will Siren successfully use Cary to get what she needs from Trevor? Who will die? Are there dragons? What do they want? “I thought the myth worth living by/was heroes fight and monsters die,” Trevor sings. Evidently not.
Kiki deLohr (Siren), Justin Huertas (Trevor), William A. Williams (Cary)
The multi-talented cast, together since the first production, each play multiple instruments – well. All are additionally good actors and vocalists.
William A. Williams combines vulnerability and comic flair making Cary both sympathetic and believable. Childlike moments are particularly endearing. We hurt when he hurts.
Kiki deLohr is a fine rock singer. As Siren, the actress presents startling intention. Anger and evil ambition are palpable. We wouldn’t be surprised if she breathed fire.
Justin Huertas has created an everyman to whom audience relates. Few haven’t struggled with what causes them to be different, looked for understanding, companionship, and a role in life. Making his hero a comic book uber-fan adds a “cool” factor which lends itself to fantasy premise. The book is not saccharine. Though you won’t leave singing the score, music fits, lyrics are distinctive. Huertas is a capable actor. His Trevor is trapped in a bigger picture with a go big or go home ending.
Director Brandon Ivie moves his players with skill and imagination, handing off instruments fluidly, fully employing the space. Physical acting (like a knife fight utilizing no weapons) is unequivocal. (Huertas breaks two strings on his cello bow.) Ivie considers music, moment and character with every gesture and reaction. Portrayal of emotion is distinctive. Only the secret of Trevor’s reoccurring pain seems under-manifest.
Scenic Adaptation/Environmental Design by Suzu Sakai consists of a back wall plastered with black and white flyers, dozens of large, black audio equipment cases, and a raised platform. Less is more. Author Justin Huertas and Laura Nyhius offer original comic-strip like projections that might look like the inside of Trevor’s head.
Erik Andor’s costumes look a bit dated but embody character perfectly. Trevor could use more scales- subtle indication of them (shimmering press-ons) barely show- and a more pronounced transformation shirt.
Lighting Design (Brian Tovar) is symbiotic; use of green well considered for maximum implication without going overboard.
The surprise here is Kevin Heard’s truly marvelous sound design. Not only do three musicians sound like a full, rich, resonant band, but every instrument’s voice is pristine. While unquestionably rock, music is never painfully loud. Sound effects are also inspired. Wait till you hear the dragon! Musical Director Steven Tran artfully arranges combinations of seven instruments creating unique atmosphere.
Photos by Billy Bustamante
Lizard Boy made its world premiere on March 27, 2015 at the Seattle Repertory Company and has had three further runs with the same cast
Prospect Theater Company presents
Lizard Boy– An Indie Rock Musical
Book, Music & Lyrics by Justin Huertas
Musical Director – Steven Tran
Directed by Brandon Ivie
Theatre Row
410 West 42nd Street
Through July 1, 2023
Prospect Theater Company
