LUSTILY EVER AFTER: The Musical – Broadwater BlackBox Theatre
Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
A sex-positive parody musical inspired by real romance novels and ninety’s pop music – where desire sings, fantasy sparkles, and love gets loud.
The show opens with the Beta book club meeting to discuss their latest spicy read — as the characters come to life and reenact the story. Lustily Ever After is a musical that parodies romance and romantasy (a hybrid of romance and fantasy) genres. Beautiful Riley leads an ordinary life, working in a bookstore. After an early heartbreak, she has sworn off men, bonding with her best friend Kim and her little kitten.
Things are about to change when Riley is seduced by the most handsome, most accomplished, wealthiest man in the world, Tristan. After Tristan apparently abandons her, Riley enters a mystical portal in a glowing book and finds herself called upon to heroically rescue a fantasy realm from the clutches of an evil queen.
Will Riley ever be reunited with her true love? Will she find her way back to her kitten and her bestie? Will she earn her happily-ever-after?
Stephanie Bentley wrote the book, music, and lyrics. Also, under the name Stephanie Rose, she has narrated over five hundred audiobooks, mostly romance, earning an Earphones Award. A musical comedy improv performer, Stephanie has appeared at many venues including Upright Citizens Brigade, IO West, and Westside Comedy.
Jenni Barber is the director and choreographer. She is a musical theatre performer with extensive credits on Broadway, including roles in Beetlejuice, Wicked, Sunday in the Park with George, Annie, and more. She is an adjunct professor at USC. She received a BFA in Musical Theatre from University of Michigan.
Jenni’s cast for Lustily Ever After includes Stephanie Bentley, Alex Ellis, Katie Lee, Grace Lord, Suzy Nakamura, and Tristan Turner. Produced by Sami Kolko Book and Ted Goldenberg for Wild Roses Productions. Music and lyrics by Stephanie Bentley, cleverly directed by Jenni Barber
Assistant director is Kelle Meschede, musical director/Accompanist is Anthony Lucca, scenic design/properties is Douglas Puskas, and production assistant is Madison Kemp. Casting directors are Beth Holmes and Elizabeth Vitale.
This is a skillful and affectionate presentation of a romance novel. The script was witty, humble, and accessible. Character development and exposition, through skilled and believable performances with warm, playful, and hilarious expressions were believable. The lucky romance is blooming, but friendship is the key. They were skilled and believable. The singing was beautiful. The talented cast is rocking!
Produced by Sami Kolko Book and Ted Goldenberg for Wild Roses Productions. Music and lyrics by Stephanie Bentley, cleverly directed by Jenni Barber, you can catch Luckily Ever After at Broadwater Black Box Theatre, 6322 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90038, with performances on Monday, June 15 at 9:30 p.m.; Friday, June 19 at 5 p.m.; Sunday, June 21 at 2 p.m.; Tuesday, June 23 at 11 p.m. Admission is $20; Preview $15. Running time is one hour. Consumer advisory: Suggested for audiences 18 to adult.
Online ticketing at https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/13969