Just This Once: A Song Cycle
Just This Once: A Song Cycle
Composed by John B. deHaas
Directed by Andrea Canny
Lusty Lils Music Company
Gold Venue
Orlando Fringe Festival
Loch Haven Park, Orlando, FL</strong>
This commentary is based on a technical rehearsal
With a nearly full-equity cast and material written by one of Orland’s best composers, this is a sure-fire winner filled with the sort of relationship songs that make you actually long for a relationship. A dozen and a half songs flow and mesh, and while there’s not an actual story line to follow you can see yourself in at least one of these emotionally laden melodies. Ensemble numbers open and close the show, but the best material is in the solos and duets. “Worst Date of My Life” (Paul Padilla and Shawn Walsh) brings down the wrath of the mislead on the heads of those who would start a relation with Metallica tickets, while “The Dating Guide” (Susan Williams and Stephanie Warner) offers pseudo-useful tips from the other side. I loved “If You’re Gonna Do Bad Cabaret” (Kelley McGillicuddy), but then I’ve been fortunate and not seen much bad cabaret in recent months. That leaves Mr. Kevin Kelly; his big number “I Can’t Get You Out of My Heart” was another sad love song that made you feel lucky for what you have. This show is in the new Gold Venue; I can happily report it has good sound, good sight lines and comfy seating. Stick around; maybe there will be an encore.
This show was part of the 2015 Orlando Fringe Festival. Information on tickets and times may be found at www.OrlandoFringe.org.
