The Fabulous Lipitones
The Fabulous Lipitones
By John Markus and Mark St. Germain
Lyrics by Mark St. Germain
Music by Randy Courts
Directed by Karry Giese
Theatre At The J
Maitland, Fl</strong>
Barber Shop Harmony comes from a distant era and frankly it’s not doing all that well today. While the harmonies are tight, the charts complex and musical terminology a bit alien to “regular” musicians, it’s a fun and distinctive style you can’t miss from a mile away. Only problem is the praactioners are all getting old and dead, and young whippersnappers prefer to remix and listen to Led Zeppelin on Vinyl. In fact, lead singer Andy of the Fabulous Lipitones died in his final performance yet his group won districts. It’s true heroism, yet it leaves his fellows behind and they are at a loss. If they can find and train a replacement they might win Nationals, but it’s a long shot. Wally (Brett Carson) is gung ho to carry on. Phil (Bob Brandenburg) is done with the whole business, and Howard (Bob Hay) can’t decide, but he knows his invalid wife needs him. Enter potential replacement Bob (Giovanni Barrio). He’s a bit more ethnic than they would like, but he’s got the voice and music in his bones. Plot points ensue, and when we are done Phil repents: “I was a bit hard on you there, Bob.” Bob nails him right back: “Oh, no you weren’t. That was simple racism.” Touché, and we are off to the bright lights.
There are a few rough spots here and there, but this is a funny and engaging story and the singing it’s all that bad. Bob Hay is the guy you’d drink beer with; he’ll agree to anything and make you think it was your idea, even when it was’t. Carson is the dedicated man; he lives for music and needs it more than even beer itself. Brandenburg is the tough guy; sometimes he’s more than Trump harsh and you hope to see him soften. But everyone loves Bob; he takes advice, makes good suggestions even as he misundertands the subtlety of George M. Cohen lyrics. But we do find a happy ending, and the singing is as fun as anything else. Under the direction of Mr. Giese “Theatre At The J” continues to make interesting and engaging theatre that avoids its own stereotypes. They’ve even popped for decent chairs; nothing spoils a good show like a sore butt. Now, if they could only bring back the intermission Knish…
For more information on Theatre At The J, please visit > https://orlandojcc.org/arts-culture/
