L-R: Ciara Renée and Lauren Patten in The Lonely Few at Geffen Playhouse. Directed by Trip Cullman ... [+]
The Lonely Few is getting the loudest buzz in the Los Angeles theater world right now. The roots-rocking, high-volume musical romance at the Geffen Playhouse, now extended through April 30, has people calling it a bound-for-Broadway hit for its outstanding cast, immersive set design (part of the audience sits on stage) and powerhouse vocal performances.
The musical tells the story of Lila, an aspiring singer-songwriter from small-town Kentucky (played by Tony winner Lauren Patten from Jagged Little Pill), and the big-deal touring musician, Amy (Ciara Renée), who captures her heart. Set largely in a country roadhouse called Paul’s Juke Joint, the musical, directed by Trip Cullman and Ellenore Scott, is a meditation on big dreams and the emotional cost of seeing them come true.
With a book by Zoe Sarnak (a Jonathan Larson Award winner) and music and lyrics by Rachel Bonds, The Lonely Few feels less like a musical than a raucous night out. Lila and her band, The Lonely Few, aren’t just singing for this production—they’re among the best acts playing in Los Angeles at the moment. These talented actors really know how to jam, wailing on guitars, keys and drums (all backed by a super-tight pit band directed by Myrna Conn).
Best known for her Tony award winning role in Jagged Little Pill, Lauren Patten belts it out again ... [+]
This world premiere was commissioned as part of the Geffen Playhouse's New Play Development Program, and while The Lonely Few may still need some edits and tightening before its next step, the show has the energy and gravity to play on a bigger stage (though the intimacy of The Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater at the Geffen is why you should see it now).
For fans of Patten’s stunning Jagged Little Pill performance—I saw her do it four times, she was that good—this part is a welcome encore of sorts. Even if these original anthems aren’t well-known, Patten’s emotional range and seismic belts are just as enthralling as when she was channeling Alanis Morisette.
The entire cast is superb. As a famous singer trying to make it as a solo act, Renée’s character brings heat and sensitivity to the stage. Thomas Silcott is the roadhouse proprietor and Lonely Few drummer who hits all the right emotional beats. Helen J. Shen plays the wide-eyed teenage pianist J.J. Damon Daunno (who originated the role of Orpheus in Hadestown off-Broadway, and is heard on the original soundtrack) plays bandmate Dylan.
(L-R) Thomas Silcott, Ciara Renée, Helen J Shen, Lauren Patten, director Trip Cullman, Damon Daunno, ... [+]
Like the very best country ballads, The Lonely Few grabs you by the heart and keeps you hooked with its old-fashioned tenderness. Get tickets now before all the bar stools are taken.
The Lonely Few
Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater at the Geffen Playhouse
10886 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024
Through April 30, 2023
