The Revolution Stage Company’s production of Off the Street will bring you face to face with the problem of homelessness in Palm Springs—and, surprisingly, it’s a musical.
This world premiere is the product of Jeanie Cunningham and Matthew Naylor. (I don’t have room to detail their résumés here, but read the program; their lives have been fascinating.) Jeanie takes on the role of musical director, and she plays the role of Lyla. Naylor is responsible for the keyboard music to which the actors sing. (Though the show uses taped tracks, its sound is so terrific and clear that you won’t miss the live musicians a bit.)
Gary Powers is the show’s director, and he plays the role of Dan Darling, a TV reporter.
As for the rest of the cast: Well, here’s where things get confusing. This show had to be re-cast at the last minute, which the program explains. I was invited to review the Nov. 12 preview performance, at which time the role of Ruby was played by Wendy Adele Evered, and the role of Karen was performed by Allie Mendoza. When the show formally opens on Nov. 14, Evered is slated to play Karen, and Ruby will be played by Sonia Reavis. Karen and Ruby, by the way, are sophisticated city dwellers who feel accosted by homeless people, and have many comments about them and their situations.
The role of Molly, one of the unhoused individuals in “Palm Sprinkles,” is played by Alisha Bates. She is small but with a big voice—and she is not afraid to use it. Though her spoken lines are all about her distressing situation, Bates’ voice is so strong that you have to believe Molly is vital and healthy. Cunningham’s Lyla admits to abusing pills, but she still provides loving care for her dog, who never leaves her arm; Cunninghan’s singing voice is pleasing.
Easy Jackson is played by Isaac Gaeta-Tollette. As a bleached-blond, tall boy whose parents kicked him out of the house because he is gay—and then tried to convert him back by sending a Bible—his performance is amazing. His song “Eye Shed a Tear” will resonate with your emotions.
Crash is played by Joseph Portoles. Dark-haired and young, he reveals his understanding of his character via studied eye movements that are accurate for a meth-user. His character ducks behind a divider to shoot up, while justifying why he can’t stop using.
The part of Gunner is unforgettably played by Steve Giboney. He frames disorientation and confusion into a clear portrayal of a veteran with PTSD. His song “Lost and Found” describes his life in service and how, for him, it led to a life on the streets.
Brent Ries exuberantly portrays Tracy Grover Douglas, the ambitious mayor of Palm Sprinkles who wants to climb as high as he can up the social and professional ladders. His character explains why, after getting elected by promising to solve the problem of homelessness, he does nothing.
The cast of eight can produce a big sound. Some of the harmonies are gorgeous, and the audience at my performance applauded each song and gave the cast a standing ovation at the end.
Dan Kerrigan is the show’s executive producer, and he has assembled a strong, supportive team. The makeup and hair styling are under the leadership of the famous Lynda Shaeps. The lighting is handled by Mariah Pryor, with sound design by Kelly McGuire, and the sound tech is Alex Danson. The production stage manager is Gustavo Sanchez, and the costumes and sets are handled by the “Off the Street Cast and Crew,” which I guess means everyone within each.
This show covers a lot of ground about homelessness, and why it happens. Do these people really want to be on the streets? What can be done about them? How can people who are more fortunate help?
There is no other show out there that will offer similar insights into this problem. Off the Street attempts to suggest a solution … and whether or not you agree, this brand-new show is worth seeing—and you’ll leave the theater with a lot of thinking to do.
Off the Street will be performed at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 14; Thursday, Nov. 16; Sunday, Nov. 19; Monday, Nov. 20, and Tuesday, Nov. 21, at the Revolution Stage Company, 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs. Tickets are $45. For tickets or more information, visit www.revolutionstagecompany.com.
