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The Fabulous Lipitones
Reviewed by Jessica Salans
The Colony Theatre
Through August 23
RECOMMENDED:
One word sums up Colony Theater’s production of The Fabulous Lipitones: Charming.
Set in a suburban town in Ohio, John Markus (who also directs) and Mark St. Germain’s comedy is about a 30-year old barbershop quartet on the brink of extinction. (One member’s wake comprises the play’s opening scene.)
Howard Dunphy, played by an earnest John Racca, gives a euology for the group’s departed lead singer, who dropped dead at a regional competition (but not before belting out a final, stunning B-flat that earned a win for the quartet to go on to Nationals). Howard is interrupted by another barbershop teammate, Wally Smith (the hilarious Steve Gunderson). As Wally begins to sing one of the group’s favorite numbers, he is reluctantly joined by final teammate, bassist and cynic Phil Rizzardi (the charismatic Dennis Holland). The trio sing their first harmony and it is beautiful.
For the second scene, the plush curtains pull away to reveal Howard’s basement; a gorgeous, detailed set, designed by David Potts. Wally is animatedly ardent in his desire to have the Lipitones continue forward to Nationals. Phil, arguing that Barbershop is as dead as their comrade, is constantly playing the antagonist, while poor Howard is caught in the middle, always wanting to please.
Conflict and uncomfortable jokes arise when a newcomer crooner turns out to be a young immigrant who calls himself Bob (the endearing Asante Gunewardena). The three elder gentlemen are confronted with their own racial biases and have to decide whether to overcome their bigotry in order to work seamlessly as a quartet.
The script allows for finely tuned payoffs. Racca, Gunderson and Rizzardi have excellent comedic timing, and Gunewardena is a very sweet addition to the team. All four have excellent, rich voices, showcased in a variety of delightful numbers. It is an entertaining, provoking story, well-matched for this beautiful theater.
The Colony Theatre, 555 North Third Street, Burbank; Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sat.; 3 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.; through August 23, https://colonytheatre.org
