Accomplished Indy performer Devan Mathias reinforced that some actors also make excellent directors. Evidence of that theory was on display at the Howard L. Schrott Theatre Saturday at a production of Be More Chill presented by Eclipse, which she directed. The group is a professional company of Summer Stock Stage. It helped that she had twelve actor-singer-dancers to guide, who all turned in electrifying performances in the comic sci-fi, high school musical on steroids, about a misfit’s journey to become popular.
Gabriel Vernon Nunag-“Be More Chill” – Courtesy of Micbael Camp. Used with permission.
Kendrell Stiff in “Be More Chill” – Courtesy of Micbael Camp. Used with permission.
With music and lyrics by Joe Iconis and book by Jow Tracz, Be More Chill, with its timeless themes of love, family, social isolation, friendship, peer pressure, and bullying, is based on the 2004 novel of the same name by Ned Vizinni. After a 2015 regional theatre production, the musical premiered off-Broadway in 2018 and opened on Broadway in 2019
“More than survive” was all Jeremy Heere wanted out of his New Jersey high school experience. But there is little hope for the geeky Jeremy. Discovering an effortless way to change his downward social trajectory, so Jeremy ingests a Japanese nano computer in pill form, called a Squip. The Squip is implanted in his brain and tells him what to wear, say, and act to achieve popularity. But then things take an unexpected, alarming turn when Jeremy’s world comes apart at the seams.
The stellar cast, many of whom are Summer Stock Stage alums, are primarily local, but some are out-of-towners, including Gabriel Vernon Nunag, the singer-actor who plays Jeremy. A Southern California native, he was recently in the cast of the second national touring company of Dear Evan Hansen. Turning in a well-crafted performance marked by exceptional vocals, Nunag was fully convincing as the conflicted teen seeking acceptance.
Be More Chill – Courtesy of Micbael Camp. Used with permission.
Also standing out for his vocal power and range was Alex Pharo as Jeremy’s loyal best friend, Michael, who stole the spotlight in his solo turn in Michael In The Bathroom. Like Nunag, Pharo, was also on the national tour of Dear Evan Hansen. Together, he and Nunag shone in the Two-Handed Player.
Worthy of note was Aubrie-Mei Rubel (Wagner College alum), who played Jeremy’s lively love interest Christine, while Piper Murphy (invomimg Ball State Musical Theatre senior) deftly portrayed the robotic Squip.
Celebrated for its catchy lyrics, the Be More Chill score was adroitly played by a six-piece band overseen by Music Director Cameron Tragesser and the show’s exhilarating choreography was created by Darian Wilson.
As I regularly point out in most of my reviews of SSS and Eclipse shows, the production values are always first-rate, as are the designers who contribute to their professional caliber. Be More Chill is yet one more representation of their excellence.
Top of the list are the projections of Zach Rosing, whose work reflects a talent for videography, photography, graphic design, and special effects, making him a tech guru in the Indy theatre community. Complimenting Rosing’s innovative contributions is Set Designer Chyna Mayer’s set design. Reflecting an uncommon vision, execution, and rare talent was the work of Lighting Designer Michael Moffatt, who is also a premier craftsman in this market. The same applies to Anthony James Sirk’s spot on costumes which reflected his signature panache.
Be Morw Chill continues through Aug. 17. For tickets visit summerstockstage.org
