NY Musical Festival - Fancy Boys Follies - XXX Rated
Oscar E Moore from the rear mezzanine for Talk Entertainment.com
This vulgar, witless gay revue in songs and scenes sets gay theater back at least 40 years. Fancy Boys Follies should be called David Pevsner’s Folly. David Pevsner being the person responsible for Book – as it is and Lyrics – as they are. And Music. Additional music by Stephen Bates, Jamie Forsyth, Mark Hummel, Christopher Lavely, Michael Orland, Jeff Rizzo and Michael Skloff: America’s most wanted. Perhaps if you saw this show on Fire Island, at midnight, in a bar, drunk or stoned you could appreciate the cockamamie shenanigans goings on. No pun intended.
The definition of “folly” in the Merriam-Webster dictionary is as follows – criminally or tragically foolish actions or conduct. Lewd behavior. A foolish act or idea. Unprofitable undertaking. Did I forget lack of good sense or normal prudence and foresight? Fancy Boys Follies fits all of the above criteria and Mr. Pevsner is under house arrest for aiding and abetting in this crime.
If you are thinking that this travesty of a gay burlesque is funny you would be wrong. If you think you are going to see some hunky sexy “fancy boys” naked you would be wrong – OK there is one - after tantalizing you with “The producers don’t want us to take this too far”. If you think you will be entranced and entertained – oh how you would be so totally wrong. If you are into leather, bondage and bestiality - crude and tasteless remarks go right ahead and buy your tickets to the two extra 11:30 performances added. If overlong skits and ridiculous characters suit you – be their guest.
The music ranges from Country Western to Gilbert and Sullivan to Barbershop Quartet to 50’s and 60’s gee I’ve heard this all before. Only better. In the middle of this show I wondered – “Are we allowed to boo?” Yes, it’s that bad.
The five stouthearted men appearing in this show are truly dedicated. Real troupers. They do their best to make something of this dreadful material. This embarrassing, crude material – chaotically directed by Randy Brenner. But it’s not totally his fault. See above. Michael Lee Scott fares a bit better with his dance routines.
Dave August is great (currently appearing in Naked Boys Singing. Skip this and see that.) Howard Kaye, whose pecs jiggle on cue, has a natural hairy chest, a terrific presence and voice. Jon Powell is likable. Accolades to Tom Stuart - especially in the only song worth mentioning – “I’m a Straight Guy till I get Drunk”. Jim J. Bullock who is the comic relief – so to speak - is asked to be in drag. To be a dog and a cat. An angel. And to be a baby. Jim J. is a baby that if I never see or hear of again - I would be a happy person. He works up a sweat and seems to be enjoying himself up there. I’m glad someone was having a good time.
10-02-08
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