Let’s Get Lost

 

By Diane Johnson

 

Let’s Get Lost is the world premiere of an original new musical now playing at the Red Barn Theatre. This is an excursion for pleasure on the joys of travel, love and food, otherwise known as the essentials of life.

 

 

Conceived by Joy Hawkins in collaboration with Denis Hyland, Marjorie Paul-

 

 

Shook and John Wells, Let’s Get Lost takes us on a nostalgic journey of discovery on the meaning of life. Music is used as the creative element to explore the many facets of relationships. Full of humor, dance and song this artistic production tugs at the heartstrings. There are a total of twenty songs performed in the show, ranging from Willie Nelson’s On The Road Again to Johnny Mercer’s Accentuate the Positive (and don’t mess with mister in between).

 

 

The musicians were an integral part of the cast. Mark Rose was phenomenal on woodwinds, playing the clarinet, saxophone and flute. Roberta Jacyshyn played the piano and acted as the musical director. Gary McDonald rounded out the trio on percussion and also managed the set design. Music was the glue that acted as a guidepost and kept the show on track.

 

 

The talented Joy Hawkins directed, conceived and starred in the show, quite a feat ! My favorite song was Straight Man sung by Joy, who belted out her verses with humor and satire. Marjorie Paul-Shook delivered a lively rendition of Come On To My House while dressed in a sexy apron. Denis Hyland is a terrific dancer who is a joy to watch as he effortlessly glides across the stage. A giant of a man, John Wells plays a mean guitar and sings with a gentle smile on his happy face. Denis and John gave an energetic performance in Gimme That Wine, acting like two winos having an awfully good time getting soused.

 

 

The entire cast gets engaged in James Taylor’s Damn That Traffic Jam, something we hope to rarely see in Key West; and Java Jive, a spirited ode to our love of caffeine. Listening to the cast sing Bobby Troup’s Route 66 brought back memories of family road trips and an old black and white TV show.

 

 

RJ Conn is the lighting designer and Julia Tetreault is the Stage Manager in the production. Carmen Rodriguez was the costume consultant. Be advised there is no intermission.

 

 

Let’s Get Lost is playing at The Red Barn Theatre March 18 through April 18, Wednesday through Saturday at 8 pm. For tickets call the box office at: 305-296-9911 or go on line at: www.redbarntheatre.com

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