Midnight at the Never Get: A Musical Journey Through Time and Love
The latest musical sensation, Midnight at the Never Get, is a captivating cabaret-musical that takes audiences on a journey through the lives of two gay musicians in 1960s New York. With a stellar cast, including Tony, Emmy, and Grammy award-winning actor Ben Platt, this production is a must-see for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted love story and a powerful musical score.
Platt's portrayal of Trevor Copeland is a standout performance. His sky-gliding voice and charismatic stage presence bring the character to life, making him a perfect fit for the role of a crooning bar-singer. The set, designed by Scott Pask, creates an intimate and lamplit cabaret atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience.
The story unfolds through the relationship between Trevor and Arthur Brightman, played with plate-spinning brilliance by Gregor Milne. Milne's portrayal of Arthur is both believable and captivating, as he delivers new songs to his lover like cups of tea. The live band, with its flawless execution, serves as the pulse of the story, providing a seamless blend of jazz-smooth melodies and big-band ballads.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the show is the exploration of the characters' dilemma. As their underground gay club faces political challenges, they are forced to make a fundamental choice: to protest or assimilate. This central conflict adds grit to their otherwise smooth lives, providing a deeper layer of complexity to the narrative.
As the story progresses, the narrator's gaps in time and memory become more apparent. Director David Cromer keeps the show's intimacy by using a simple yet effective approach, with a minor magic trick to tie up loose ends. While the gut-punch would be even more impactful with a trimmed script, the overall experience is still a powerful one.
Midnight at the Never Get is a testament to the power of music as both heartbreak and cure. It leaves audiences with a sense of nostalgia and a desire to sing at the top of their lungs to the memory of who they used to be. This production is a must-see for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted musical journey through time and love.
