Don’t miss these rising stars in ‘Calvin Berger’ at George Street Playhouse

BY STUART DUNCAN

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

N.J. THEATER REVIEW

The British humorist and prolific writer P.G. Wodehouse had a phrase that he used when he was particularly pleased. He would refer to a topic as "more than somewhat." That phrase came to me about halfway through the first act of the world premiere of "Calvin Berger" at New Brunswick's George Street Playhouse.

It came to me because the musical, although it covers familiar territory -- teenage (and more precisely high school) romance and its various pitfalls -- does so with such exuberance, such pure joy in the dialogue, music and lyrics -- that you find yourself grinning all the time. Grinning that is when you aren't laughing outright.

The "familiar territory" mentioned above focuses on Calvin Berger who is a sort of modern-day Cyrano, stressed out that his large nose will make it impossible for him to win the attention of the girl in his class he has his lust set on. His solution is to make friends with the new kid in the school, a muscular "jock." He supplies his new friend with romantic notes and sayings and sets him out to substitute for him. Meanwhile, of course, the cute little girl who really adores and appreciates him, is left to languish,

That's it, nothing new there. Four characters in a plot you can see coming early in the evening. But the four — Noah Weisberg as Calvin; Krystal Joy Brown as his idol; David Hull as the "jock;" and Dana Steingold as the wistful onlooker — are super talented, future super stars. All can sing beautifully and with full power; all can act up a storm and punch clever laugh lines both down the foul lines and to the back walls. And each can make you gasp with emotion when needed. Learn their names now before they become huge stars.

In fact, if you're really smart, you'll grab tickets now, while the show is still at George Street. This is a show that clearly is headed for New York (hopefully an Off-Broadway house where it can run for years.) And when it does, hopefully Derek McLane will be designing the set. Here he has given us a wonderful two-level vision where the top level is the four apartments and the area below is merely a set of four doors such as one might find walking down a school corridor. It is a constant reminder of the compartmental quality of the evening and the difficulty teenagers have when they move into another's "space."

Kathleen Marshall has directed with obvious passion and love. She is a Broadway choreographer as well as a director, a multiple Tony Award winner in several categories. And while we are at it: Doug Besterman the arranger has won three Tonys; so has costume designer Martin Pakledinaz.

"Calvin Berger" will continue at George Street Playhouse, Livingston Ave., New Brunswick through March 14. Tickets range from $29.50 - $79.50. (732) 246-7717 or online at www.GSPonline.org.

Oh yes indeed. More than somewhat.