The Crack in the Ceiling

by Helen Herbert

Book, Music, and Lyrics by James Harvey; Directed by Stephen Tyler Davis

Produced by CitySalt Theatricals

Lynn Redgrave Theater @ Culture Project, 45 Bleecker Street

Off Off Broadway, New Musical

Josh Grisetti, Nicky Torchia, and Kristy Cates in The Crack in the Ceiling. Photo by Andrew Barry Fritz.

BOTTOM LINE: A fun-filled musical packed with heartache, home repair, and humor.

Ellen can’t catch a break, or a man, for that matter. Her most recent boyfriend just left her, she’s raising her son David on her own, and an ominous crack has appeared in her kitchen ceiling. This sends Ellen into a whirlwind calling of every handyman in the phone book to fix her ceiling, which is now leaking into every aspect of her life. Ellen flirts with each guy that comes to her door, and even invites a few of them to stay, straining her relationship with David. Amidst the upbeat melodies, there is an underlying element of sadness to the mother-son relationship, as David is fully aware of how men take advantage of his mother. Yet while men come and go, no one is able to fix Ellen’s problem. When Ellen’s fantasy of a capable man sticking around starts to come true, the risk becomes even more dangerous as this potential savoir persuades her to make an unexpected sacrifice. In classic musical theatre fashion, Ellen eventually learns a lesson; however, her story surprisingly doesn’t quite end wrapped up in a bow.

As Ellen, the accomplished Kristy Cates has an incredible vocal range and sings from the moment the show begins to the very end. With her poise and powerful voice, it’s easy to tell she’s been on the boards of grand houses in the past. Nicky Torchia is darling as David. There is a sincerity and ease about Torchia that is amazing; as David, he is a believable, frustrated boy who just wants to be heard by his mother. The Man is hilariously played by Josh Grisetti, a master at musical comedy, who serves as the rotating roster of men Ellen calls upon. His characters are funny and wide-ranging, but always grounded in the absurd truth of Ellen’s world. 

James Harvey, a protégé of Alan Menken, has created a fantastic piece that has potential for larger audiences. The story is engaging, the lyrics are natural and witty, and the score is upbeat and appealing. In an hour and twenty minutes, Harvey’s characters touch on many real challenges in life —everything from coping with loneliness to filing insurance claims. Performed without intermission, I think the show runs one handyman scene too long for a one-act. My hope is for The Crack in the Ceiling to be developed into two acts, so we can learn more about David’s absent father and the relationship that caused the crack in Ellen’s heart.

Director Stephen Tyler Davis expertly leads this cast through a revolving door of characters, costumes, and musical cues. The action is seamless, the music on point, and Davis has drawn wonderful performances from the actors. The theater was very hot the evening I attended, but the story was so entertaining and alive that I forgot to keep fanning myself at times. Additionally, the show’s music director Will Buck, with the help of his fellow musicians, supported the cast perfectly and never pulled focus.

Due to the nature of the beast, the Fringe can be a challenging platform for any production, especially a musical with many moving parts. The Crack in the Ceiling is a testament to theatre-making at its very best and is a Best Bet for anyone who enjoys a great musical with a lot of heart.

The Crack in the Ceiling plays at VENUE #13: Lynn Redgrave Theater @ Culture Project, 45 Bleecker Street, through August 28, 2015. Performances are Sat 8/15 at 8:30; Tue 8/18 at 2; Sat 8/22 at 6:30; Tue 8/25 at 8; and Fri 8/28 at 2:30. There is no late seating at FringeNYC. Tickets are $18 and are available at fringenyc.org. For more information visit thecrackintheceiling.com.

Runs through 28 August, 2015

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Rock and Roll Musical Perfection

Broadway, Musical Revival – Broadway Premiere

Image Source: Variety.com

The "internationally ignored song stylist" is back on stage – this time headlining at the Belasco Theatre (111 West 44th Street). Playing in an open run, Taye Diggs will take on the role of Hedwig beginning July 22nd. Tickets $49 - 200. Full Theasy Review

BOTTOM LINE: A triumphant revival of a show finally making its Broadway debut -- Hedwig and the Angry Inch may once have been ahead of its time, but the time is definitely now!

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Theasy's Best Bets: week of 27 April 2015

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The Visit

Broadway, new musical

See Chita Rivera in Kander & Ebb's 'the visit'.

New musical from the duo who brought you Cabaret and Kiss of the Spider Woman, see The Visit (with Chitia Rivera) playing at the Lyceum Theatre, 149 West 45th Street. Tickets $29-$149. Full Theasy Review.

BOTTOM LINE:  Likely one of the most divisive shows of this Broadway Season, Kander and Ebb's unforgettable The Visit is a must-see for any serious fan of musical theater. 

Global Theatre

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Ludic Proxy

This immersive new Off-Broadway play that makes you feel alive, is being performed by the Play Company at Walkerspace, 46 Walker Street. Runs through 5 May 2015. Tickets $10-$35. Full Theasy Review.

BOTTOM LINE: An acute and aesthetically experience of arresting experience of life projected onto the space of theatre.

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The Belle of Belfast

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 The Belle of Belfast.

This new Off-Broadway play is presented by the Irish Repertory Theatre at DR2 Theatre, 103 East 15th Street. Runs through 7 June 2015. Tickets $71. Full Theasy Review. By Nate Rufus Edelman; Directed by Claudia Weill.

BOTTOM LINE: A potty-mouthed young woman with many open wounds falls in love with and seduces a neighborhood priest. 

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The Heidi Chronicles plays at The Music Box Theatre, 239 West 45th Street. Runs through 9 Aug 15. Tickets: $40-$139. Full Theasy Review.

BOTTOM LINE: A talented, star-studded ensemble of Elizabeth Moss (Mad Men) and Jason Biggs (American Pie) deftly takes on the revival of Wendy Wasserstein’s seminal feminist character study. Directed by Tony Award winner: Pam MacKinnon.

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