You have to make plans to see a stunning and sensitive new musical, “All the World’s a Stage,” playing at Theater Five in Theatre Row on 42nd Street only until May 10! This new musical, from the compassionate, caring mind of Adam Gwon, is creative, moving, bold, and so needed on so many levels. It tells the story of Ricky, a gay closeted math teacher, in a small rural town in Pennsylvania. Ricky wants so badly to fit in with his new school and community, that he is prepared to not be true to who he really is. He finds a kindred soul in his student Sam, who can’t find any way to fit in, often finding herself ridiculed for being a theater geek. She has a passion for the stage that no other student appreciates or respects. Ricky, who shares Sam’s love for theater, tries to help her learn a monologue in order to go for a full theater college scholarship. Dede, the school secretary, is also on board to help Sam achieve her dreams. Ricky finds himself only able to be who he truly is when he visits the local bookstore owned and run by Michael. Michael is very much out of the closet about his lifestyle, and in a small religious town, he has his share of problems.
This musical tells a story of awkwardness, homophobia, and being phony and trying to fit in no matter the cost, until you decide enough is enough. It is a musical that inspires, as the people who are bullied find comfort and strength in each other. There are songs that are so moving, I was literally in tears and quietly wiping them away.
The cast of only four people shows that less is much more, as they perfectly execute their roles. Matt Robin is poignant as Ricky; you can see the struggle his character goes through as he tries to maneuver finding a place in a community that would turn on him in a heartbeat if they knew who he truly was. Eliza Pagelle is stunning as Sam. You can feel every moment of how she is tortured by her inability to fit in. You feel the pain of her family issues and her sense of feeling lost and being a disappointment. When she is empowered, it is beautiful to see.
Jon Michael Reese gives a performance you will long remember! His stage presence is phenomenal. His singing voice and the emotions that come from his delivery hold your soul captive. Betsy Morgan is memorable as Dede, a woman from a religious family who has to choose between the prejudices of her faith and her friendship with Ricky.
This is a musical that desperately needs to be experienced, especially by those who have been made to feel unwelcomed and persecuted. This musical lets you realize you must be who you are, regardless of what others feel about it. You are special, you are important, you have the right to be seen.
This production has a touching direction by Jonathan Silverstein. The Keen Company production produced in association with Michelle Noh and has scenic design by Steven C. Kemp, costume design by Jennifer Paar, lighting design by David Lander, sound design by Megumi Katayama, musical direction by Andera Grody, movement by Patrick McCollum, and orchestrations by Michael Starobin. For tickets visit keencompany.com.