REVIEW: ‘Trevor,’ a new musical filled with heart and heartbreak
Photo: From left, Sammy Dell and Holden William Hagelberger star in Trevor at Stage 42. Photo courtesy of Joan Marcus / Provided by BBB with permission.
There’s a lot of heart and heartbreak in the new musical Trevor, which originated at Writers Theatre and is now playing at off-Broadway’s Stage 42. Featuring a touching and commanding performance from newcomer Holden William Hagelberger as the title character, the show follows the journey of a gay teenager who is coming of age and struggling to share his sexuality with friends and family.
At first, Trevor feels like a lighthearted school musical, featuring cliche scenes of family life, adolescent angst and pivotal life chapters, like a middle school talent show. The cast, all hard-working and all believable in their respective roles, create this setting with authenticity and youthful energy. Most of the action is centered on Trevor as he wallows in boredom while playing basketball, but basks in delight when listening to his favorite performer, Diana Ross (Yasmeen Sulieman). His love for the former singer of the Supremes is evident by the many posters he has pinned up in his bedroom, plus there’s a shrine to her music and cultural impact in the corner of the room.
There are also Trevor’s parents, played by Sally Wilfert and Jarrod Zimmerman, who are blissfully disconnected from Trevor and the questions he is beginning to have about his attraction to boys. The object of Trevor’s affection is a fellow classmate named Pinky (Sammy Dell), a basketball star for the school and someone who pairs up with Trevor to work on a talent show routine.
During these early scenes, there are some memorable musical sequences and songs, including “On With the Show” and “One/Two.” Sprinkled throughout the narrative are also tunes by Ross, including “It’s My Turn,” “Do You Know?” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “I’m Coming Out.”
Eventually, this smiling, everything’s-working-out musical takes a turn toward seriousness. Trevor can no longer hide his sexuality, and he opens up to Pinky about his attraction. Well, the secret gets out, and the young man needs to face his parents’ scrutiny and the inquiring, judgmental stares of the student population. This leads Trevor down a dark and unfortunate path, into feelings of hopelessness and isolation. Some audience members may know the story and its various plot developments; the musical is based on an Oscar-winning short film of the same name.
Director Marc Bruni, of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical fame, keeps the action moving along at a fast clip, and his efforts are aided by a serviceable set by Donyale Werle. Scenes seamlessly transition between the school and Trevor’s home with ease. Josh Prince’s choreography is appreciated, especially during the ensemble numbers.
Ultimately the show works as well as it does because of the young ensemble, with Hagelberger leading the charge. He is a dedicated performer with a fine singing voice and the acting skills to pull off the character, from his highest highs to his lowest lows. Almost immediately, thanks to this anchoring performance, the audience finds themselves on the side of Trevor, hoping he can be his true self and rooting for him to overcome the conservatism of the early 1980s and find what every young person yearns for: acceptance, friendship, a reciprocated crush. Dell’s Pinky character is also a welcome addition, someone who is not a cookie-cutter jock, but who is growing and learning himself.
Not everything in Trevor works perfectly, and there is a sense that these two hours and 15 minutes could have been trimmed down a bit. However, watching Trevor’s journey — from his unapologetic love for Ross’ music to his genuine caring for Pinky — is a meaningful experience. In particular, this show seems to have teenagers as its target audience. Trevor can be appreciated and celebrated by adults, no doubt, and let’s be honest some of them in the audience need some educating on empathy as well. However, the young theatergoers at Stage 42 will likely walk away with the most profound lessons in their mind. The songs by Dan Collins (book and lyrics) and Julianne Wick Davis (music) are accessible and illustrative of the youth experience. The humor is somewhat corny but still age appropriate.
The path that Trevor is on is a path that young men and women in the audience may be on as well, and that means the show is not only entertaining but enlightening, not only a good night out at the theater but a good chance to reexamine one’s life and the treatment of others. Trevor is a stirring portrait of a gay student weaving his way through the pitfalls of a judgmental society and school system. Thanks to a hard-working cast and creative team, the audience champions him every step of the way.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Trevor is currently running at Stage 42 on 42nd Street in New York City. Book and lyrics by Dan Collins. Music by Julianne Wick Davis. Starring Holden William Hagelberger, Sammy Dell, Sally Wilfert and Jarrod Zimmerman. Choreographed by Josh Prince. Directed by Marc Bruni. Running time: 2 hours, 15 minutes. Click here for more information and tickets.
