By Carol Davis
SAN DIEGO—At the opening night performance of Anna K. Jacobs (music) and Bill Nelson’s (book and lyrics) world premiere production of Harmony Kansas, Diversionary Theatre’s executive director John Alexander was so thrilled to announce its opening that he was almost tongue tied as he introduced and thanked its creators.
In reality, it is a big deal and was rightfully overjoyed to be bringing, not just a new play, but a touching musical that’s in ‘harmony’ with Diversionary’s mission ‘to provide quality theatre for the GLBT community that portray characters in their complexity and diversity both historically and contemporary’.
Thanks to director James Vasquez and top notch cast, this little musical, set in the fictitious farm community of Shiloh, Kansas hums (all puns intended) with enough singing and harmonizing to satisfy any and all takers.
Believe it or not, in the rural community of Shiloh set in western Kansas, a farming and ranching town, at least six gay man tend to, farm and or own ranch land far from the madding crowds but not out of reach of what some might misunderstand about two men living together. So the men strut in their cowboy boots and jeans and big cowboy hats and work the land and yearn, in the case of Heath (Jacob Caltrider) to expand their horizons and buy more of it.
Heath’s partner, the over zealous Julian (Tom Zohar), a transplant from Kansas City is fine with farming the land because his partner is a farmer, after all. But Julian is more excited learning about a group of ‘gay guys’ who sing; in other words a gay chorus, but not really a chorus. “It’s like a club”. “And the guys are friendly”. They meet every Monday night in Wiley’s living room (John Whitley) and Julian thinks it’s a ‘miracle-a gift from God or Buddha or whoever gives gifts to gay boys” that such a find is a mere hour’s drive from their farm. Julian wants the both of them to join the group. Heath is not open to the idea.
After a set of false starts and fits, Heath decides to humor Julian to see what this ‘Monday night poker game’ is all about. There they meet the rest of the group, a friendly and harmonious one at that, that over time will learn to overcome their fear of being branded ‘Gay” and let it all hang out by singing publicly which is to show the world that it’s Ok to be gay, a farmer and live in Kansas.
The top-notch cast consists of Fuzz (Bill Nolte) a bass-baritone and no nonsense bigger than life character whose endearing presence is a welcome relief. Darrell (Tony Houck) whose baritone voice almost takes a back seat to his baked goods. Yes he provides the goodies for the group and lets you know it in one of the funniest moments in the show when he sings “I Bring The Snacks” after a misfire when Julian shows up with some cupcakes.
Young Dylan Hoffinger is DJ who brings another tenor voice, along with some youthful and funny musings about being ‘queer, sixteen and frustrated with no place to hide’ and Kent (Anthony Methvin) another tenor with a deep emotional pull as his affair with Darrell is the best-known secret in Shiloh. Darrell’s ‘real life partner’ Pete is talked about but never seen. He lives on Pete’s parents’ property so his is a rather precarious situation.
Harmony, Kansas indeed has a story to tell and it still needs a bit of tightening, but the music and vocalizing, harmonizing and ballads with Nelson’s book and Jacobs’ music all done under the musical direction of Adam Wachter on piano with support by Peggy Johnston on vass is a credit to the entire staff and ensemble. An evening as this makes your heart sing with joy as the story of these men touches all of us in different ways.
Sean Fanning’s farm looking sets are true to the eye and Shirley Pierson’s ‘real’ cowboy costumes are a good fit. Michelle Caron’s lighting design and Kevin Anthenill and James Vasquez sound design all contribute to the overall success of this new and charming show. There is life in Kansas other than Dorothy.
See you at the theatre.
Dates: Through July 22nd
Organization: Diversionary Theatre
Phone: 619-220-0097
Production Type: Musical comedy
Where: 4545 Park Blvd., San Diego
Ticket Prices: starts at $25.00
Web: diversoinary.org