Directors Trip Cullman & Ellenore Scott perfectly capture the passion, talents, and even the angst that comes along with the dreams of aspiring rock stars Lila (Lauren Patton); Amy (Ciara Renee); JJ (Helen Shen), and company in “The Lonely Few,” now playing at the Geffen Playhouse. This is an original play, based on the book by Rachel Bonds, with music and lyrics by Zoe Sarnak, and accompaniment by live musicians Myrna Conn; Ramon Blanco; Mike Hill; and Carl Thomson. Upon entering the theatre , one is instantly transported into an intimate nightclub/concert space, replete with bar, barstools; balcony, and comfy lounge seats. A whole lot of people aspire to reach rock star status, as evidenced by the immense amount of singers and their hopeful followers) on Tik Tok; yet Lila gets her big break when asked to join the band on a tour starting in rural Kentucky and culminating in Nashville. Along with the chance to hear wonderful, original songs, such as “Always Wait For You,” “”I’ll Be Gone,” “Bottle of Jack,” and “Something to Smile About,” just to name a few, the audience is also privy to the intimate, innermost secrets, trials and tribulations of a family troubled by addiction, heartbreak, loss, sexuality and loyalty, all the while seeking fame and fortune in the fickle field of music. From beginning to end, the musical selections, interspersed with captivating gems of dialogue, keep the audience enthralled and mesmerized by the potent plot line. The show covers the musicians’ lives at a most precarious time, the present, throughout the South, with a series of concert comebacks. One standout scene (among many) involves Lila’s brother Adam (Joshua Close), struggling with alcoholism, and when his neighbors find him blacked out , Lila is faced with the dilemma of staying or leaving the tour to be by her brother’s side, in a time of crisis. Lauren Patten and Joshua Close’s delivery of a brother/sister bond, amidst career highs and lows; substance abuse and mania; is brilliant, all taking place within a simple set, with plenty of booze bottles at one’s access. Many a melancholy number brings a sense of ominous near tragedies and emergencies to befall this innocent, up and coming young starlet. The group’s blaring loud music certainly ‘rocked the crowd,’ and tried even a little bit harder, with a mix of pop, rock, jazz, and blues. Amy, Lila , and JJ all seem like small town girls, but even with their seemingly humble, simplistic attitudes and personas, we soon sense their inner brilliance, talent, and fire within. Talents that only ‘a lonely few’ truly possess. Rock on over to the Geffen to experience an artistic extravaganza, with songs and lyrics, sure to resonate.
Through April 30th