SONG OF SINGAPORE, Old Lyric Repertory Company, Caine Lyric Theatre, Logan, through Aug. 7 (435-797-0305). Running time: 1 hour, 40 minutes (one intermission).
LOGAN — The light musical has become a staple of community theater. "Nunsense," "Forever Plaid" and others work their way onto the playbill because of their easy staging and the opportunity to show off the talent of the actors. There's not a strong storyline needed to carry the production, in the manner of, say, a Broadway-style musical or an opera — just a simple scenario to set up the excuse for a bunch of songs.
Unless there is a handful of standout performers or a show-stopping number or two that sets such a musical above the rest, they can feel similar.
And so it is with "Song of Singapore," the second production in the summer schedule of the Old Lyric Repertory Company, directed by Jon Cranney. There is no show-stopper — though a couple of numbers came close on opening night — and none of the songs is memorable. An hour later, audience members would be hard-pressed to hum a tune or sing a line from any of the show's songs.
Rather than giving patrons a medley of recognizable and catchy tunes, the songs are wordy dialogues, designed to move the "story" along and to develop characters. Catchy they are not, for the most part, and forgettable they become.
Doing his best to keep "Singapore" moving and working hard to stay in the audience's good graces is Lee Daily, a veteran of numerous OLRC productions. Daily has carried past OLRC efforts — especially musicals — squarely on his shoulders and never fails to deliver a strong effort. Daily's first solo, especially in comparison to the majority of "Singapore," is stunning. His crisp, even voice is strong, yet manicured to a precision that reflects years of theater presence. And to the delight of the audience, his words can actually be understood.
Phillip R. Lowe makes up for a pedestrian effort in last year's "Plaid" with a delightful series of songs via several characters. Particularly memorable was his "Harbor of Love," sung as Inspector Marvin Kurland. When handed the microphone in Freddy's Soul of Singapore Cafe, the inspector is called upon to be nervous and his shaky voice to strengthen as he sings of cuttlefish and octopus. Lowe ends up an audience favorite.
"Song of Singapore" is set in a club in Indonesia on the eve of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Subplots involve Amelia Earhart, missing crown jewels and other nonsense. Eve Wagstaff plays Freddie S. Lyme, owner and bandleader in the club, and her so-so performance is one reason the production failed to lift patrons on opening night. Wagstaff needs to work on her use of the microphone, as her overwhelming volume could pin patrons' ears to the back wall. Then there is Chrislynn Call, who plays Chah Li, a mysterious Chinese character. Nary a word of her numbers could be distinguished.
The story has a running theme about a character known as Rose who has amnesia, a joke that begins to feel a bit like Dorah in "Finding Nemo." One of the more likable numbers in "Singapore" has Daily and fellow OLRC vet Lego Louis singing to Rose while she is hypnotized, an effort to cure her amnesia.
The noteworthy band at the SOS Club is composed largely of talented local band teachers. They never missed a beat or note.
A nod should go to choreographer Stephanie White, who coached actors into getting as much use out of the crowded stage as possible during limited opportunities to dance. Lighting was also well done, and the set by Dennis Hassan captured the audience's imagination.
While a pleasant way to spend a warm summer evening, "Song of Singapore" floats away like an unfamiliar song that barely penetrates our memories.
E-mail: jay@statesman.serv.usu.edu