Michael Catalano and David Silberg present

REAL MEN: THE MUSICAL

Book, Music and Lyrics by Paul Louis and Nick Santa Maria
Musical Direction: Martin Landry
Arrangements: Manny Schvartzman
Costume Design: Ellis Tillman
Sound Design: M Florian Staab
Lighting Design: Patrick Tennant
Stage Manager: CJ Laroche

Featuring: Steven G. Anthony, Paul Louis, Nick Santa Maria

Press Representative: Joe Trentacosta Public Relations

New World Stages
340 West 50th Street
Through January 2, 2016
https://www.telecharge.com/Off-Broadway/Real-Men/Ticket


What a wonderful evening of song-filled vignettes, full of fun and frolic from three emasculated, middle-aged men. Their sentiments about relationships (with women, parents, children) are expressed openly in this musical they call real life. Their feelings are touching, but conflicted. In one song, one of the men questions why he said I Do, but closes with acknowledging he’s still in love. It’s the age old relationship challenge: can’t live with them, can’t live without them.

The premise is that all men are schmucks and expected to be “strong, responsible and lacking in emotion”. The three men are guided by The Book of More Men, which produces dozens of hilarious one-liners. Man # 3 visits his therapist who, through Susie the puppet, brings out his inner macho. His therapist recommends reading The Real Men Agenda, which teaches the 12 steps to happiness, including Be A Macho Man not a Macho Jerk, Appreciate your Woman, Be a Romantic, and Get in Touch with Your Sensitive Side. The final step is left unanswered because “it doesn’t matter since getting to the 12th step is all that matters.” With age comes wisdom.

Several vignettes use puppetry, which adds another dimension of hilarity, skillfully incorporated by the actors. Their woes cover the gamut of frustrations with family members, self esteem, infrequent sex, inability to relate to other males, etc, yet they return often to the refrain Men Are the Happier Gender”. Highlights include: Every Woman Loves a Douchebag, Married Man’s Lament (I used to have a penis!) and With My Wife.

It’s a cleverly written musical with laughs at every turn. The actors play wonderfully off each other and are a very talented trio, as well as gifted soloists. When they sing together, barbershop style, it is shear pleasure. Live music is performed by two musicians tucked in cubby holes off either side of the stage. Go see it before it ends.

- Gloria Talamas -