This entertaining one-woman show, written and performed by Kendra Stevens, and directed by Jason Madeja, concerns Stevens' lifelong relationship with pop songs and explores how music sustained her through the various stages of her life.
The first scene features Stevens dressed in full little-girl getup, pigtails included, gushing about how her mommy can play songs on her guitar, "even songs that play on the radio!" The seemingly lighthearted opening is quickly overtaken by the darkness of what her child's eye reveals: her father is an abusive alcoholic who crushes his entire family in the grip of his own unhappiness. She then moves into her tween years and giddily launches into a hilarious but gut-wrenching monologue about how Joey McIntyre of New Kids on the Block would be a kind and loving husband to her, in sharp contrast to the reality of her parents' miserable relationship.
Even as she matures, Stevens admits to wanting the sensitive boys of pop culture to save her from the less-than-ideal men of her real life. It is only when she becomes a strong and independent young woman that she is able to fulfill that wish.
As one would expect, the audience is treated to a diverse and compelling soundtrack ranging from "The Humpty Dance" to Johnny Cash covering U2. As the show progresses, it takes on a wistful, almost dreamlike tone. The show is short, and could perhaps use a bit more development, but it's an effective meditation on why it's important to hold on to the best parts of childhood, even as we try to emerge from the shadow of the worst.
Reviewed by Centerstage!
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