After the beginning of the musical "110 in the Shade," I realized that this production reminded of my American literature class in eleventh grade. It seemed to me that I witnessing a remake of the early chapters of the Steinbeck epic The Grapes of Wrath, but in a way that the tone and characters were borrowed from another musical, "Oklahoma." But my initial impression of my theatre going experience this past evening was that I should have abstained from wearing long sleeves because the temperature in the room was reflective of the title. I right away held an attentive empathy for the townspeople of "Three Point" and decided to pay attention to the show. The story seemed easy enough, draught ridden farmers need water so they put their trust in a fancy cowboy and he saves the day, every one dances and falls in love, the end. But as far as the "110" goes I felt the feeling of insatiable heat was lost to the performers soon after the opening scene. I mean it is a musical but I don't think you"d be all smiles if you had to sing and dance in Phoenix in the middle of August, and the fatigue was just not an issue. .
Despite the heat I was assuaged by the comfortable seat (not intentionally rhyming) but genuinely welcomed the intermission where I caught my breath and attempted to take in the plot. My grip on the plot was undoubtedly aided by its numerous holes. Even though the story was optimistic and motivational in its heart, it was confusing and the songs didn't fulfill their role of storyteller as I had hoped. Your humble reviewer has no objection to light romantic comedies, especially in a time when we could use a good one, but this story had its happy parts sewn in to the theme rather than just given out to you. We are being told to feel good about yourself and to be yourself, but wait you have to compromise to get somewhere. Have big aspirations and go for it, but wait stick to who you are and do what is good not what makes you feel good.
