Last night we got to see Slow Burn Theatre’s High Fidelity. The performances were strong as they have been in past shows (Parade, Chess and Next to Normal) but this was the first one we’d call fun.
The story is somewhat similar to the movie High Fidelity, which starred John Cusack, but the musical uses original music instead of classic rock.
The main character, Rob, is having problems with his girlfriend Laura and looks back on his history with previous girlfriends.
Rob and his record store friends often resort to reciting bizarre Top 5 lists as they confront problems.
There are a number of comical moments including when Laura gets into a relationship with an odd character named Ian, a dreamlike sequence where Rob sings with a rock star, and other celebrity references.
We especially enjoyed Bruno Vida is his role as the nerdy Dick, Sandi Stock’s Liz, the intermediary between Rob and Laura, and Noah Levine who nearly stole the show as Ian. Leads Robert Johnston and Nicole Piro played off each other well.
There were around 250 people in the audience, which director Patrick Fitzwater told us was a good number for the summer. While it doesn’t include the rock hits from the movie, we think the show will appeal to baby boomers and Gen Xers as well.
There is a lot of coarse language and some sexually suggestive scenes so parents should be careful before bringing kids.
High Fidelity runs through June 29th in the performing arts theater at West Boca High. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm. Buy tickets on the Slow Burn Theatre website.
