What’s Your Problem?
The musical revue What’s Your Problem? is only for a certain kind of audience ... the kind with a sense of humor. If you have one, you will find your funny bone well tickled. This revue is more than just cute and more than just clever contemporary jibes at modern life and gay stereotypes. It is all of that, but also presents really solidly constructed and admirable songs. They are the work of Paul L. Johnson (music) and Hector Coris (lyrics), and are full of memorable rhymes like "haiku/IQ," and hilarious lines as in the lament about a self-centered Chelsea Boy: "He spent more at the salon than the date we went on."
The show and the material have been well received, including awards from last year’s Fresh Fruit Festival of gay-themed entertainment (Best Musical and Best Score) and acknowledged with cheers and award consideration by the cabaret world. Not only do the songs have strong melodies, they’re damn funny as well.
Both collaborators participate in the revue: Johnson is at the piano for most performances as musical director (Andrew Long will fill in when Johnson is not available.) And the instantly likeable Coris as one of the performers and hosts to the proceedings. He not only bubbles over with energy and mischief, but, like his colleagues, knows how to sell a song, putting his musical theater background to good use.
I saw the show last year and have heard the songs on other occasions, but still found myself laughing heartily at both the words and the performances, which are full of life and spunk. It’s quite an achievement to present sharp sarcastic comedy without coming off as mean and nasty.
Some new numbers have been added and, additionally, there are new cast members, who are both delightful. Suzanne Adams cannot only do comedy but raises the roof with her vocal prowess, getting a great workout in a brilliant parody of divas called Crossover Queen. Eric Martin, whose work I thoroughly enjoyed in his solo cabaret act, sparkles here as well. His solos are less hyperkinetic than Hector’s, so the two men complement each other nicely. But, when the material requires it, Eric can rev things up and be wacky, too. Watching these talented individuals work together is especially entertaining, especially in the title song and a witty "commercial" for Rosie O’Donnell’s family cruise vacations.
Much of the material is gay-related. Although they go for some easy and familiar targets (Brokeback Mountain, trendy urban gay life, crummy TV shows), they find new ways to make us all laugh at the world and ourselves. The show has been directed once again by Collette Black, who adds a deft touch and never lets her cast push too hard in the small space. There are also some nice details in the reactions and facial expressions. Bravo!
Some of the writers’ material, with Hector singing, can be heard on a CD of their earlier act, Why Not? available at www.CDbaby.com if you want a sample, a souvenir or a snicker.
Remaining performances: Wednesdays at 7 pm: April 12, 19 and 26... plus Saturday, April 29 at 9 pm.
AT: Upstairs at Rose’s Turn, 55 Grove Street at Seventh Avenue in Greenwich Village, NYC. $10 cover charge plus 2-drink minimum. Reservations: 212- 366- 5438 (after 4 pm). More information at www.HectorCoris.com
