cleaVage

My thoughts on cleaVage or…. a boom for busts.

I don’t know what I expected from cleaVage, a musical about the development and history of silicone breast implants, but what I got was a hilarious, tuneful, fast-paced lesson with a, dare I say, “stacked” cast that kept me laughing and toe-tapping all evening.

The musical, conceived by Dr. Ron Friedman, who wrote the music and lyrics, and co-authored the book with Laura Goodenow, follows two doctors, Dr John Conan (Josh Hepola) and Dr. Hank Rousseau (Jacob Catalano), who develop the implants. The story explores the impact on their lives and the lives of the women who eagerly want the implants, especially the gung-ho first patient, Tammy Brie Harley (Natalie Hinds), and cancer victim Glenda Byrne (Lauren Urso Gray). The trans character of DeeDee (Kya “KJ” James) narrates the evening. There’s a fun rivalry of sorts with a Frenchman, Dr. Arryonn (Robert Bradford Smith), who is assisted by “the butcher” (Jason Philip Solis) and a lawsuit headed by a slick singing attorney (Daniel Hernandez) and an ensemble filled with dynamite singers and dancers.

Director Rebecca Lowrey, who also serves as Music Director, keeps the action moving and the comedy popping while conducting her terrific band as they deliver Friedman’s infectious pop score. Choreographer Christina Kudlicki ensures the women of the ensemble keep their enhanced assets front and center, performing her high-energy dances with precision.

Spencer Bovaird created the pink-toned set, Jessie Wallace crafted the playful and occasionally provocative costumes, Mia Lindemann handled the lighting design, and Brian Christensen managed the sound.

Special kudos to Music Director Lowrey and Vocal Coach Lauren Urso Gray, as the singing here is exceptional, with Catalano, James, Hinds, Hernandez, Solis, Lindsey Kay Smith, and Gray herself being standouts. Indeed, this entire cast would be celebrated on any stage, anywhere.

As the title of the show suggests, cleaVage is packed with every boob pun and joke imaginable, and just when you think there couldn’t possibly be any more, there always is. And that’s a major part of the fun of the musical.

cleaVage is a musical that “lifts and separates” you from the cares of life and will keep your spirits upturned and perky.

Photo by Richard Winn

Photo by Aly Badalamenti

Photo by Joshua Pak