Broadway Noir

Reviewed by Deborah Klugman
Three Clubs
Through June 19

Written by writer/composer Daniel Sugimoto, this entertaining bit of musical fluff draws inspiration from the film/ fiction noir genre.

The story tracks the experiences of a couple of hard-boiled New York City detectives (Max Lichtig and Nathan Ondracek) as they attempt to solve the murders of several actresses slated to star in a Broadway show. The ante is upped when the girlfriend of one of them (Lauren Byrd) is cast in the production in question, even as the chief of detectives (Zachary Johnnson-Dunlop) pressures the befuddled gumshoes to bring their investigation to a close.

While little in the satire or storyline is original, the performances, co-directed by Julia Lisa and Michael Thomas-Visgar, do hit the mark. Each ensemble member etches his or her role with broad-stroked aplomb, while imparting just enough nuance to make their characters interesting. The choreography and score are lively and fun and the directors do an excellent job staging the action on a tiny platform. Some of the individual vocals are weak, but the group vocals sound fine, and the musical accompaniment (Sugimoto on piano and Matt Von Roderick on trumpet) enhances the narrative. As Mr. Fox, a crackbrained theatrical producer (and the most obvious suspect in the case) a glib Adam Lau is a standout.

Three Clubs, 1123 Vine St, Hollywood; www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/3595; through June 19. Running time: 2 hours with a ten minute intermission