Playwright: Larry Bortniker and Sally Deering
At: Bailiwick Repertory
Phone: (773) 883-1090; $25-$30
Runs through: Oct. 26 (extension likely)
I almost never tell readers to see this or skip that. But if you like song-and-dance musicals, if you like a damn good time—period—then run to Bailiwick for Dr. Sex. If it's not the town's juiciest, jolliest frolic, then I don't know what is.
Tongue firmly in cheek, Dr. Sex is a musical biography of Alfred C. Kinsey (1894-1956), the pioneering researcher whose reports on human sexual behavior (men published 1948, women 1953) revolutionized discourse about sexuality, and blew the lid off 19th Century repression (acknowledged in Russ Borski's background murals of Victorian images).
But Dr. Sex is less interested in Kinsey's clinical work than in his bedroom work. Authors Larry Bortniker and Sally Deering merrily embrace a 1997 biography that contends Kinsey was a bisexual orgiast who took his Indiana University graduate students as gay lovers, while his wife of 35 years, Clara, slept with other men. But their dirty-minded doctor ain't evil, just unhibited, and with a genuine desire for all to be sexually free and non-judgmental. The show ends with a tolerant reminder to listeners that 'you are not alone,' no matter what your sexual pecadilloes.
Bortniker's clever words and bouncing tunes drive Dr. Sex, performed by a big-voiced cast of nine and a five-piece band (huge by Bailiwick standards) under conductor/orchestrator Alan Bukowiecki, powered by Jerry Mohlman's brassy Broadway trumpet. No rock riffs, mock opera, or Sondheim sound-alikes, just a barrell of tunes you can walk away humming.
The book by Bortniker and Deering tosses off a few facts, a lot of fiction, and a giggly gaggle of double entendres and innuendoes. It's fast and light, and must be as there's no dramatic conflict, which makes the arbitrary intermission pointless. The one way to improve Dr. Sex is to cut 15 minutes, and play it straight through.
Jamie Axtell's Kinsey is a splendid comic performance, responding to sexual discoveries with surprised looks and perpetual bemusement, but with high spirits that belie his bland appearance. Julie Laue is a pert, saucy and sultry Clara, and she sings, too! The third lead is Wally, Kinsey's handsome assistant-turned-Clara's lover, played with frat boy good looks by Joshua Campbell. A lithe chorus of three boys and three girls play everyone else and—this being Bailiwick—strip to their skivvies whenever possible.
However, there's neither full nudity nor four letter words. You almost could bring the kids.
David Zak deftly directs, in tune with the souffle style and musical substance of Dr. Sex. Zak and choreograpgher Kristin Folzenlogen even parody other musical comedy conventions, especially Fosse, assisted by costume designer Jeff Jones' black lingerie and bowler hats.
For sure, Dr. Sex is a cash cow. Give Bailiwick your money; you'll go home happy.
