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Regional Reviews: Phoenix Gutenberg! The Musical! Also see Gil's reviews of Moby Dick, Gloria, Treasure Island, and Pretty Woman: The Musical
The premise of the show is as clever as it is absurd. Two aspiring writers, Bud and Doug, present a reading for their original musical about Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press. The audience plays the part of the potential investors or producers of their show with the characters taking turns to explain the show, the characters, and a few words of theatre lingo, while also sharing parts of their lives while hoping we see the potential in their musical. With nothing more than an assortment of hats, each of which displays the name of a character, enthusiasm, and a wildly overstuffed imagination, they attempt to perform every role in their show, from Gutenberg himself to a host of German villagers. As the lines between performance and reality blur in increasingly hilarious ways, what unfolds is both the musical they've created and a comedic portrait of their earnest, and somewhat misguided, ambition. Created by Scott Brown and Anthony King, Gutenberg! The Musical! was originally developed 20 years ago at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York City as a one-act comedy piece and has found a devoted following since its six-month Off-Broadway run in 2006, eventually making its way to Broadway for a four-month limited run in 2023. Beneath its gleeful silliness, the show pokes fun at the conventions of musical theatre, the creative process, and the often naïve optimism of artists chasing their big break. Themes of friendship, perseverance, and the fine line between confidence and delusion run throughout, giving the comedy just enough heart to keep it grounded. It may not be the greatest musical ever made, and at 90 minutes plus an intermission it may run on a tad too long as it borders on repetitiveness in the last quarter due to the basic structure of the piece, but it's also a sweet and very charming comedy. The cast of two carry the entire production on their shoulders and both rise to the challenge with impressive skills. As Bud and Doug, Nick Philips and Patrick Keyser create distinct, lovable personalities, both of whom are slightly confident and also adorably anxious, while seamlessly transforming into a parade of characters using only labeled hats, accents, and changes in their body language. Every exaggerated accent, over-the-top gesture, and earnest misstep lands beautifully, making their whirlwind of character changes feel effortless. Their singing voices are lovely and their enthusiasm is infectious. Having good chemistry between the two characters is essential and here it's pitch-perfect, allowing them to play off each other with impeccable comedic timing. I have no idea if Philips and Kelsey even knew each other before rehearsals of this show began but I came away with the feeling that they not only are lifelong best friends but also songwriters who have actually written a musical about Gutenberg–that's how authentic and compassionate their portrayals are. Co-directors Jan Williams and Garth Williams lean into the show's lighthearted spirit, keeping the pacing tight and the humor front and center. There's a sense of controlled chaos that mirrors the characters' own enthusiasm, and it works wonderfully. The simple set, costumes, and Carolynn Russell's prop design, which is essentially a blank canvas punctuated by a collection of hats, underscore the show's central conceit, inviting the audience to fill in the gaps with their imagination. It's a minimalist approach that enhances rather than limits the storytelling. Maybe Stewart's lighting has lovely touches throughout and his sound design ensures every lyric and note of the two-person band under John Luke Osorio's music direction is crisp and clear. Osorio's piano skills and Carolyn Menges Friedman's percussion make the show feel full and fleshed out. Gutenberg! The Musical! may not be a musical for everyone, due to its simplicity and fairly basic score. However, it's also silly, smart, and irresistibly fun, which should most likely leave audiences not only laughing but also appreciating the sheer inventiveness that can come from the simplest of ideas and the power of friendship and determination. With two gifted leads and clear direction, Almost Famous Theatre Company's production is a joyous celebration of creativity and comedy. Gutenberg! The Musical! runs through March 29, 2026, at Almost Famous Theatre Company, Herberger Theater Center, 222 East Monroe Street, Phoenix AZ. For tickets and information, please visit almostfamoustheater.com. Director: Jan Williams and Garth Williams Cast: |
