GAME ON opens with the young and spunky Deborah (Marissa Buchheit) playing for a chance at winning GAME ON. In the hope of furthering her education, the bubbly student debates her options, while her brother Roy (Arjun Kumar) hovers behind her on a big screen. His intense encouragement beside her nail-biting deliberation builds the framework for this dynamic new musical.
Jason Shavers and Marissa Buchheit
Reminiscent of NBC’s Deal or No Deal, hosted by Howie Mandel, GAME ON has contestants choose boxes, not briefcases and host Monty is in phone communication with an ‘exec’ not a ‘Banker”. Despite these minor variances, the concept of the game remains the same. Players randomly choose boxes filled with various amounts of money, one containing 1 million dollars. There are plenty of twists and turns when the ‘exec’ telephones Monty, increasing the risks of the game by offering contestants an alternative prize. The contestant then has a few moments to choose between the offer from the exec or whatever might be in their box.
Connor McCanlus
GAME ON is high energy. Hosted by the charismatic Monty Price (Jason Shavers) and the model beauty, with a doctorate, Gillian Van Ness (Buchheit) a cast of opponents compete for a 1 million dollar prize. Singing and dancing through the challenges of GAME ON are Grace (Christine Laitta) a senior aged woman, in purple Ked’s, who traveled by bus from Milwaukee for a chance to play, Natalie (Josey Miller) a free-spirited and impulsive sweetheart and a nerdy Felix (Connor McCanlus) somewhat neurotic and coincidentally ex-paramour of Natalie.
Throughout the competition, witty banter, moderated by Price, catchy songs and contemporary choreography elevate the storyline and engage the audience well beyond how I anticipated a musical about a game show would do. As the competition heats up, the life experiences that shaped the players’ purpose for going after the grand prize are exposed. Through snappy lyrics and lively dance, the characters become so much more than just game show contestants.
Jason Shavers and Josey Miller
If you’re curious to know who wins the grand prize, ultimately, it’s the audience who witness this show come alive. Talent exudes from a cast of charming characters and numbers such as Grace’s, “Scheduled Programming,” an ode to her love of television, tea, and her cat. Felix’s, “Help From Chuck” includes hilarious lines and a side-splitting dance routine as well as another moment of direct audience engagement. Finally, the highlight of the performance, “I Want It,” is an incredibly catchy, complete company act, showcasing savvy characterization and powerful vocals.
GAME ON, a feel-good musical, is an initiative of CLO’s Spark, a project cultivating new and innovative small musicals. It is refreshing, lighthearted and fun. Written by Marcus Stevens, composed by David Dabbon, directed and choreographed by Jen Wineman, GAME ON is playing now through January 27, 2019. For tickets and more information click here.
Photos courtesy of Matt Polk
Megan Grabowski works full time for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania but for fun she enjoys volunteering, as a trustee for the Crafton Public Library Board, the Girl Scouts and as a contributor to Pittsburgh in the Round. Megan grew up attending community theater performances with her parents and relishes the escapism and adventure live productions provide. Now, a mother to 2 teenage daughters, Megan is thrilled to see her girls enjoying live shows, performing on stage and creating playlists of their favorite showtunes. To keep up on writing trends, news and cool cultural stuff, follow Megan on Facebook @mjgrabowskiwordsmith
Categories: Archived Reviews