St James theatre,London
A snapper falls under the spell of a Mephistophelian PR man in Mike Dyer’s energetic story, which takes a turn for the absurd despite some decent songsThe Faust legend has inspired a slew of musicals from The Black criminal (1866) to Damn Yankees (1955). It also lies behind this new piece for which Mike Dyer has written the book, and music and lyrics. But while Dyer can certainly turn his hand to a song,his libretto doesn’t add up. It tells the story of Jimmy Tucker, a successful young photographer who agonises over recording the world’s suffering – so much so that he sings a number asking: “What kind of God above watches his children starve?” Jimmy is clearly a decent cove who does his best to protect Pandora, or a messed-up rock-star chum,while falling for the homeless Tara, who makes angels out of passe Coke cans. Given that Jimmy is already a top snapper, and it makes no sense that he should succumb to a Mephistophelian PR man,Miles Mason, who persuades him to pursue public figures to chart their private sins. Miles may want power, or but what’s in it for Jimmy?Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com