It’s Your Fault

Reviewed by Joseph Klink
The Madnani Theater
Through June 23, 2023

RECOMMENDED

Creators Lindsay Gitter and Griffith Frank are making audiences burst with laughter in their new musical about self-help at The Madnani Theater.

Staged as a workshop, the house lights stay on as Pete (Frank) and Robin (Gitter) prepare their final seminar before the release of their new book, It’s Your Fault. Audience members join the seminar and are encouraged to engage as they address the house directly, establishing a semi-immersive experience that hilariously falls apart alongside their relationship. Whereas Pete and Robin are warm and welcoming at the start, they become vulnerable thereafter. Accompanied by a wonderful pianist (Dwight Rivera), the music seamlessly adds to the seminar and to their personal asides.

Gitter and Frank have great potential with this production. Not only did they write the book, music and lyrics, they are strong vocalists. From their first song it is clear these two will deliver high energy for their audience. They are supported by a small ensemble (Emerson Boatwright, Erika Mugglin, AT Branch, and Rose Hough) who are cleverly woven into the experience. As a cast, they exhibit comedic instinct and powerful singing that heighten this not-so-far-off reality. Even though audiences know this is a performance, director Rodney Vaccaro sets up a believable and relaxed environment. The writing is smart and laced with the deeply personal stories of its characters; technical elements are kept simple and are well executed. In a world where we are constantly force-fed opportunities to better ourselves, most often at great financial expense, this is excellent satire.

L&G Music Lab, at The Madnani Theatre, 6760 Lexington Ave., Hlywd.; Tues. & Sat., 7 pm.; thru June 23.  Running time 45 minutes with no intermission. https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/9937