‘Merrily,’ ‘Monsters’ & Murder
By ETTORE TOPPI
May. 27, 2005

...

What happens when you wake up on your 40th birthday to find that your personal demons of fear, apathy, and self-loathing have physically manifested to torment you? Such is the dilemma faced by the protagonist of “Monsters,” a new musical by Gail Phaneuf and Ernie Lijoi, which received its first public reading this week.

Phaneuf began to write the piece as a way to explore her own “wacky inner struggles.” She says that by forcing our monsters into the light, and making them sing and dance, we can laugh at them and fight back. It’s a clever conceit that’s rife with possibilities.

While Phaneuf’s book is still in the developmental stages — that’s what readings are for — it’s off to a promising start. Lijoi’s score is smart and funny. He has an ear for off-kilter melodies and a verbal facility that ranks up there with the best.

Lijoi’s name may be familiar from CDs and cabaret performances — including the first Bearapalooza and other bear events. Those familiar with his writing and performing will agree that he’s a natural to compose for the musical stage.

Best wishes to the two of them in bringing this bright and funny new show to a full production.

© 2006 The New York Blade | A Window Media Publication