Like Love has been on my group of friends' to-see list ever since the cast was announced. Why? Because we were the few who liked - nay, loved - High Fidelity and its poor poor cast. And when you cast Jon Patrick Walker (The Most Pathetic Man in the World, Bruce Springsteen and Rob u/s) and Emily Swallow (Marie LaSalle) in a show, you draw that crowd. Unfortunately, considering its two week run, the crowd of High Fidelity fans is more like a small gathering. I assume this is the reason for what was a sadly empty house for this afternoon's performance of Like Love.
Sadly, all that comes to mind when I think of Like Love is the New York Time's dismissal of High Fidelity as "all-time top 5 most forgettable musicals." Though it's a pleasant show, there's nothing in its short 75 minute run-time that would make this entry in this years festival stand out from the other 33. As the two lovers, the High Fidelity alums are affable and affecting, with voices that carry even the mediocre introspective solos to a higher plane (the music is at its best when it's conversational and upbeat). However, nothing in the writing distinguishes their characters from the 'he' and 'she' by which they are billed. What's most puzzling about the show, however, is 'Love,' played by Danielle Ferland. Covered in tattoos and gaudy jewelry and dressed in a tight black dress with red bra poking out of the top, the shows vision of love isn't alluring at all - if anything, she plays the role as menacing, which is clearly not the intent from the way events play out onstage.
After all this, it sounds like I disliked the show, which couldn't be further from the truth. There's much to enjoy in this intimate musical - there's just not much to remember. And yes, it's a short review. My next show starts in an hour...
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