TheatreAddict.com - Bakersfield Drama Blog

Americans are getting suckered by what passes for a romantic comedy these days, and "The Thing About Men" proves it. It is surprising that a show about a husband and wife cheating on one another can be so funny at times and so emotionally honest at others. That it's put to music is astonishing. That this concept works so well is a miracle.

The basic storyline goes like this. An obsessive adulterer is peeved when he finds out his wife is cheating too, so he finds her lover and (adopting a fake identity) becomes his roommate. Things become complicated, they become friends, and of course eventually the whole thing comes out into the open and emotions and comic hijinks get spilled everywhere. The characters are somewhat silly stereotypes, but also real people. Real people who break out into song at a moment's notice. This combination of romance, comedy, and music works just right and leaves the audience fulfilled, having spent the evening laughing, crying, and making out with the silly but lovable characters on stage.

Yes, this show is fantastic and I don't mind telling you so. The music (provided by ivory tinkler Don Chase) is incredible. The cast is on fire with talent, issuing forth uproarious comedy, big musical numbers, and touching romance. The story is woven together with skill and wit. Sitcom writers and Hollywood script-pushers wish they could come up with stuff this good. Director Justin Brooks is a bad ass, and I told him so.

It works. It's awesome. And it deserves an audience.

Check out the photo gallery for all of the great pictures taken by Keely. You can purchase full size images from her. I talk to the cast this week on the podcast (#10) so check that out. And, last but not least, GO SEE THIS SHOW. You've got two more weekends. Don't let me down.