About Sex The Musical!

Critical Opinions

 

“Embarrassingly Funny....”

BACKSTAGE 5/31/02

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THE EUGENE WEEKLY – 10/03/02

The Foibles of Sex
Actors Cabaret wrestles with the three-letter word.
BY SHARLEEN NELSON

Gay? Straight? Kinky? Animal lover? Everyone has a secret. "What's yours?" is the question posed in the musical revue Sex! The Musical, which opened Saturday evening at the Actors Cabaret of Eugene.

The simple set consisting of blown up posters depicting various humorous cartoons of the sexual nature leaves no doubt about what this play is all about. Sex! The Musical tackles the foibles of sex in a frank, extremely funny and thoroughly grown-up manner.

The five-member ensemble explores the multifaceted sides — and there are many — of one very powerful three-letter word. From the frustrations of dating to spicing up a stagnant relationship, from sexual dysfunction to infidelity to the joys of toys — no topic, even farm-style lovin', is too taboo to tackle. Undoubtedly, some of the songs could easily offend, but the good-natured humor and likeable cast take most of the sting out.

Opening with the upbeat "Three Letter Word," Jennifer Coombs, Kevin "KJ" Waltz, Seth Carter, Keeley St. Clair and Teryl Hawk, through a series of fast-paced musical skits, embark on an intimate journey through the ups and downs of relationships.

Although many of the numbers such as "Good Thing He Can't Read My Mind," "An Ordinary Guy," "In the Afternoon" and "Hold Me Tonight "are stand-alone, the revue also includes several theme tunes — "The Request" and its follow-up "The Response" and "Can't Get It Up Blues," which add a nice touch to the production.

The talented and always delightful Jennifer Coombs showcases her versatility in many roles: from "Big Juicy Woman" to the sentimentally sweet "He's my Tiger, She's My Fox," about an elderly couple's enduring love for each other, to "Mr. Delivery Man," which sets the stage for a later number, "Nobody Beats My Bob." An odd ode to her "battery-operated boyfriend," Coombs' sidesplitting orgasmic gyrations are nothing short of hilarious.

Adding his own unique blend of wackiness is Kevin "KJ" Waltz, who is featured in a number of the more outrageous skits. Dripping with innuendo and double entendres, Waltz sings "Blow Me" as a smarmy, gay lounge lizard bedecked in gold lame and chains. He garners audience sympathy in "Can't Get it Up Blues, Part I, II, and III," and slyly performs the more odious "Bessie."

Making the seamless transition from revolted wife to sensuous aggressor, Teryl Hawk is terrific in "The Request" and "The Response." Seth Carter is great in "Big Juicy Woman" and "My Baby and Me." However, his rendition of "Papa Woody" missed the mark. Keeley St. Clair's clear, sweet voice shines throughout the show. Although their solo performances were overall quite good, the cast really shines when singing in combinations, especially during the hilarious ballad "Viagra in the Waters" and when the three women perform "Penis Envy" in full nun regalia.

The pacing of the show is furious, barely is one skit wrapped up before the next begins. Even though few of the costumes are anywhere near elaborate, there are numerous occasions where changes are made in mere seconds, yet the cast never seemed rushed and remained in control throughout.

The musical is fresh, fun and well worth the effort.

Everybody has a secret...