Playwright: Aaron Thielen (book), Michael Mahler (music/lyrics). At: Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire. Tickets: 1-847-634-0200; www.MarriottTheatre.com; $40-$48 (plus tax/fees). Runs through: Aug. 19
Hero is so close to sensational that the changes I suggest for this new work probably won't make much difference in its commercial potential. And commercial potential it certainly has, whether that means widespread regional theater success or landing on Broadway first.
There's nothing especially original about this modestly scaled character-based show, but it supplies fresh packaging for the familiar small change of sit-coms and rom-coms through a truly funny book, clever (and often funny) lyrics and unbeatably perfect casting. Director and choreographer David H. Bell has secured hilarious and moving performances from his corps of singing actors, as he must in a show with little formal dance and only a small chorus element.
In ancient musical-comedy tradition, Hero features a lead romantic couple and a secondary comedy couple whose happy endings are as predictable as the carefully foreshadowed plot developments in Aaron Thielen's tightly constructed book. Father and son, Al (Don Forston) and Hero Batowski (Erich Bergen) operate a comic book shop in Milwaukee. Hero, 28, is a gifted comic book/graphic novel artist but emotionally withdrawn since his mother's death 10 years earlier, for which he holds himself responsible. Enter old high school flame Jane (Heidi Kettenring): Can she crack Hero's shell? Their respective "wingman" buds, Susan and Kirk, form the comedy odd couple, limned in brilliant comic performances by Dara Cameron and Alex Goodrich.
The entire cast in this warm-hearted show exudes charm and is reason enough to go. There's major support from Forston (all affectionate bluster) and Jonah Rawitz as Kirk's funny and precocious kid bro. But Bergen's balance of hang-dog and hopefulness, and Kettenring's infectious gurgling laugh make for memorable characters as much as their fine musical chops.
Michael Mahler's lyrics are extremely well-suited to character and action with apt and often unpredictable rhymes (which is good) and at least one sensational mid-song musical joke. He also provides several uncommonly specific and effective expository songs. His music is generic pop/rock, pleasant enough but not memorable. Fuller orchestrations—some brass, a guitar, perhaps more exotic percussion— would provide more musical color and texture.
At this point, Hero already is a successful vehicle which should be a big hit for the Marriott Theatre. Even so, improvements can be made. Musical trimming still is possible (perhaps two songs) and the brief final wedding scene needs to go. More importantly, we need to see Hero's artwork along the way. You can't be told for two hours about someone's talent and never see the proof. Even more crucial, we need to understand why Jane is interested in Hero. Introspective self-pitying guys aren't very appealing; there needs to be more. These are small fixes in a strong show that's thisclose (sic) to wonderful.
