A: Is for art that rocks out

My favorite musical so far this year is a little show called "Rooms a Rock Musical" at New World Stages. Its story is completely predictable, but it is the music and lyrics by Paul Scott Goodman that makes "Rooms" a moving and exciting night in the theatre. Exciting, because this music goes in new places with harmonies that soar and thrill. This show has heart. Involving us from the moment it begins, we become instantly and intimately involved in the lives of two Scottish musicians. Monica P. Miller is a Jewish lyricist with an insatiable drive to succeed and Ian, is a Catholic musician who's idea of a good time is to stayed locked in his room pissed drunk. We follow them from Scotland to London where they become punk rock stars and lovers to New York where it all falls apart and comes back together again. God, I love happy endings. As Monica,Leslie Kritzer is zanily adorable. What could of become obnoxious, Ms. Kritzer makes endearing. Vocally superb she captures our souls and we become a part of her journey. Doug Kreeger is the perfect counterpoint. Where Ms. Kritzer is zanny, Mr. Kreeger is grounded in his dysfunctional realism. This character easily could be hatable, yet we understand his pain and ultimately his growth. Scott Schwartz, has created a wonderful use of simplicity with just a moving door and a couple of chairs, thus allowing the actors to create the rest. This one show I could easily see again and I can't wait for the CD to come out. Rooms will give you a night of theatre that will leave you sighing in contentment.