In a musical world of grunge and dragons, Lizard Boy stands alone.
Unforeseen circumstances bring together a quirky trio of characters and onstage multi-instrumentalists when Keiji Ishiguri as introverted, anxious and well meaning Trevor leaves his apartment hideaway once a year. Longing for real connection and a possible love interest in Peter Dimaggio as goofy, friendly and squeamish Cary, Trevor reluctantly practices a little faith over faith. However, so much can happen just stepping out your front door.
Blending dark humor, fantasy, mythology, sci-fi, action and horror with harmonious musical flair, Lizard Boy takes an earnest look at isolation, trauma, and loneliness. It is going to take a lot more than a simple song or even an apocalyptic event to unleash Trevor’s true reasons for staying home or the inexplicable sting in Trevor’s back.
With Book and Lyrics by Justin Huertas, rhythmically directed by Lyndsay Allyn Cox and creatively Musically Directed by Violet Wang, SpeakEasy Stage continues indie-rock musical Lizard Boy live and in person at Calderwood Pavilion in Boston, Massachusetts through Saturday, November 22. With Playwright Justin Huertas in the audience during the performance I attended, this edgy production contains adult content and humor and runs 100 minutes with no intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.
Illustrated with comic book-inspired chalk drawings, colorful graffiti and band posters scattering the walls, Set Designer Qingan Zhang’s intriguing set provides a hint of the 90s though it takes place in the present day. Sean Doyle’s mighty sound design can be overpowering at times, but there is a zing to the show’s perpetual harmonious rhythms (including the banging of a guitar case, carefully timed lightning and instruments that double as weapons) in a world where dragons really do exist. After all, this Lizard Boy musical has scales…get it? Clever.
Costume designer Zoë Sundra delivers a daring rock vibe which includes spandex, eye liner, furs, racer pants, flannels, graphic tees, and chained red booties. With a blend of satirical and upbeat indie-rock tunes in unconventional rhythms using various instruments including a kazoo and the ukulele, Lizard Boy’s soundtrack is delivered with zeal and humor as this skilled trio must contend with each other for the sake of their world.
A portion of the tunes are delivered in a stream of consciousness fashion infused with pop culture references such as Ishiguri’s Trevor’s title track. Tambourine-tinged The Whoa Song boasts catchy and powerful harmonies you may be humming after the show is over. Clelsie Nectow depicts manipulative, relentless and occasionally unhinged Siren with raw prowess while delivering seething vocal rhythms faintly resembling Evanescence’s Amy Lee for A Terrible Ride. Peter DiMaggio and Keiji Ishiguri showcase their improvisation skills and vulnerability with Cary’s Song and Things I Worry About.
Though the plot can veer a bit too outlandishly at times, Lizard Boy is a wild musical journey with action, comic book violence, a resounding message and a few revelations in a world where true superpowers can come from the unexpected of places.
SpeakEasy Stage continues indie-rock musical Lizard Boy live and in person at Calderwood Pavilion in Boston, Massachusetts through Saturday, November 22. Click here for more information and for tickets.