A REVIEW OF THE NEW BROADWAY MUSICAL

By Annelisa Purdie,
Senior, S.T.A.R. Early College High School

Cry-Baby, which is currently running at the Marquis Theatre, is the second production from the mind of John Waters (the creator of Hairspray). Don't let the title fool you: Except for a few bits and pieces, there's nothing really boo-hooey about this piece. Now that I finally found the theatre (it's a bit tricky to navigate through the Marriott-let the staff direct you), let me tell you about this new addition to Broadway.

The show tells the story of Wade "Cry-Baby" Walker, a 1950s rebel who has been tearless since his pacifist/communist parents were executed during World War II. While crashing an anti-polio party with his ragtag group of misfits, he meets and falls in love with Allison (Elizabeth Stanley), a rich socialite who is an orphan, just like him. Throughout the course of the show, they hook up, and then break up, only to be reunited once again at the end.

"CRY BABY IS A LOT MORE RISUÉ AND IS
PROUD OF IT TO BOOT!"

Unlike most Broadway shows, this particular piece was actually a movie first. The production is a welcome departure from the 1990 film Cry-Baby, starring Johnny Depp, which is considerably darker. In typical John Waters style, this musical is set in Baltimore and offers a satirical view of American life at the time. But unlike Waters' production of Hairspray, Cry-Baby is a lot more risqué and is proud of it to boot! The cast's awareness of the play's sexuality and their clear joy in shocking the audience does not harm the piece, but rather adds more to it.

There is such a thing as over-satirizing, and this show does do it a bit. The story is not exactly a suspenseful one either; by the beginning of the second act, the audience can pretty much tell what's going to happen in the end. Also, sometimes the production seems to be excessively gross, such as the very, um…descriptive kissing scenes. (I've seen enough tongue to last me a lifetime!) But the play is not meant to be taken seriously. Its aim is to leave the audience feeling good, and it does this, and does it well.

James Snyder makes his Broadway debut as the title character, and he does an all-right job. He, too, seems to suffer from the too-over-the-top syndrome at times. All in all, the characters are likeable and funny, but one finds oneself wanting more in the story and character development department. I, for one, would like to have seen more about Dupree, Cry-Baby's belting buddy, as well as Lenora, Cry-Baby's "schizo" wannabe girlfriend. And we never learn just what did happen to Allison's parents?

The music throughout was quite enjoyable, even when the lyrics were really wacky ("I've robbed banks using only my face…"). To get the lyrics' full impact, one must really listen to what the cast is singing, but it makes the songs even funnier. I must also say, it was a welcome change to see a female conductor (Lynne Shankel) holding down the fort. One hopes that this trend will not go out of style anytime soon.

If you're looking for a documentary-style commentary on the past that delves deep, then I suggest you turn to the History Channel. But if you're looking for some upbeat music, some risqué humor and a pretty good story you don't have to wrack your brain over, then Cry-Baby is for you. There's only one little thing…. Bring some breadcrumbs so you can find your way back out of the theatre!

CRY-BABY by David Javerbaum, Tom Meehan, Mark O'Donnell, and Adam Schlesinger. o $26.50 student rush. o Marquis Theatre, 1535 Broadway.
www.crybabyonbroadway.com

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Check out our PLOG and theatre listings or information and reviews on cool shows opening later during this hot summer, including:

[title of show] by Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen. The Off Broadway favorite comes to Broadway, opening at the Lyceum Theatre July 17.

For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf by Ntozake Shange. Starring Grammy Award-winner India.Arie (right), opening on Broadway in July or August.

Godspell by Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael Tebelak. An earlier show from the composer of Wicked opening on Broadway in August.