CJ Eldred and Charlie Stover (Photo by Jim Cox Photography}
Reviewed by Lovell Estell III
The Hudson Theater
Through December 15
RECOMMENDED
The inspiration for this charming musical is the family story of Emmy award winning composer Ben Decter, whose daughter was diagnosed at 17 months with “catastrophic epilepsy”. The chance of a possible cure was a drug not available in America. Decter says in the program notes that he ”jumped in my car with a prescription scribbled on a coffee receipt, a Hershey bar, and a pocket full of cash. Speeding down interstate 5 from Los Angeles to Tijuana. I had no idea how my life was about to change.”
That change is enjoyably sketched out in It’s All Your Fault, Tyler Price with spirited music and lyrics written by Decter (who co-wrote the book with director Kristin Hanggi, who provided additional lyrics).
The setting is present day Los Angeles, where in the course of a regular school day, teenager Jackson Hoffman, (an impressive turn by Charlie Stover), plants a grand haymaker on classmate Tyler Price (Jonah Price) for making fun of his sister Lucy (Faith Graham) who has epilepsy. Lucy is severely learning-disabled and socially awkward, yet she possesses infectious charm and an alluring childlike innocence.
She struggles to learn the words for her Bat Mitzvah, and has a curious fondness for snails. In Act I, we learn much about the family’s struggles with coping with Lucy’s illness and the impact it has not only on Jackson and Lucy, but on parents Emma (Jenna Pastuszek) and Daniel (C.J. Eldred), who are dealing with issues in their marriage and professional lives. The musical number “Duet,” performed by Jackson and his mother, will bring tears to your eyes.
Jackson’s violent outburst lands him in hot water with the school authorities, and he is tasked with preparing a statement about it. But along with his sidekick Coco (Erin Choi), he instead goes about creating an autobiographical presentation about his life. This production of his forms the opening of Act II, and boasts some captivating tunes like “Jackson’s Opening Number and “I believe in drugs,” as well as an instructive segment on what to do if you see someone having an epileptic fit.
As somber as the play’s subject matter is, there are plenty of moments of humor. The main payoff here is the smartly blended slate of music and lyrics that are skillfully performed by the 13-member ensemble —they veer into jazz, rock, and even a little gospel. The performance of the live band (Kyle DeTarnowsky, Leo Decter, James Fall, Bryan Boyce and Aaron Benham) is superb under the musical direction of Kyle Puccia, while David Goldstein’ eye-popping, two-tier scenic design is remarkably well crafted.
The Hudson Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd. Hollywood; check website for schedule. http://www.TylerPriceMusical.com Running time: Two hours and 10 minutes with an intermission.
