The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Musical Review
A critical look at the Off-Broadway adaptation of the classic Fitzgerald short story.
1Adaptation and Narrative Shifts
The new musical adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1922 short story has opened at the Public Theater. Moving the setting from 1860s Baltimore to a post-World War I Cornish fishing village, writers Jethro Compton and Darren Clark attempt to modernize the narrative. This production follows previous iterations, including the 2008 film adaptation.
2Performance and Physicality
Andrew Durand portrays Benjamin Button, utilizing physical acting to convey the character's reverse aging process. Starting as a septuagenarian, Durand shifts his posture and movement as he grows younger throughout the show. His performance is described as broad and cartoonish, intentionally framing the entire two-and-a-half-hour production as a theatrical farce.
3Musical Composition and Tone
Composer Darren Clark provides a score described as rollicking, reminiscent of a country fair atmosphere. Songs like Rag Ty Yw Tre and The Western Wind emphasize themes of time and tide. Despite the ensemble's melodic voices and enthusiastic playing, the orchestration is often criticized for being loud, muddled, and repetitive.
4Character Dynamics and Flaws
The musical explores the relationship between Benjamin and Elowen Keene, played by Kelsee Kimmel. While Kimmel provides a charming performance, her character is depicted as thin and existing primarily to serve Benjamin’s needs. The production struggles to balance the protagonist's questionable behavior with the audience's need for a sympathetic lead.
5The Protagonist's Moral Dilemma
Benjamin Button is portrayed as a cad who abandons his wife during a period of shared heartbreak. Unlike the original short story, the musical attempts to justify his actions through a maudlin backstory involving parental neglect. This narrative choice creates an alarming disconnect, as the production seems to forgive his cruel behavior.
6Ensemble and Supporting Roles
The supporting cast plays multiple characters while simultaneously performing the musical instruments throughout the show. This ensemble matches the broad, farcical tone established by the lead performance. Their roles include a baker with a wandering eye and a drunken tea shop proprietor, adding to the quirky, village-centric atmosphere of the production.
7Structural Issues in Act Two
The second act is described as lumbering and confusing, failing to maintain the momentum of the first. Songs are used to haphazardly tie up loose ends for various secondary characters, resulting in a climax that feels disjointed. The repetitive nature of the lyrics makes the extended runtime feel tiresome for the audience.
8Final Critical Assessment
Despite the production's success in London, the Off-Broadway run faces significant criticism regarding its narrative depth and character development. The musical fails to reconcile the protagonist's selfish actions with the profound tone it attempts to strike. Ultimately, the show leaves viewers questioning the necessity of this specific adaptation of the story.
Original article: Mashable — The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Musical Review