I am the worst nightmare of any Beatles-related show. An obsessive fan from a young age, I will be the first person to notice if chronology, song references, or minor trivia are off. I watch like a hawk and I take the mistakes very personally. However, it is apparent with Infinity Repertory’s MOD that someone really did his homework.
It’s the height of Beatlemania in Amherst, Massachusetts and rumours are flying about Fab Four passing through town. Rory, a teenage boy who dreams of becoming the fifth Beatle (well…that is if you don’t take Pete Best or Stuart Sutcliffe into consideration), along with his classmates from his Catholic school, will stop at nothing to meet their idols. The band of teenagers encounter a number of roadblocks along the way (one being the rock ‘n’ roll-despising school disciplinarian, Sister Ed), but ultimately, they manage to somewhat prevail.
Despite excellent performances from the young Andre Catrini (Jackson) and Jasmine Schwab (Kit), MOD has a few moments that are a little too overacted, even for musical theatre. In addition, a number of the songs are a little flat and none are particularly memorable. Regardless, there are songs that are peppy and light enough to make the show watchable, and the choreography is quite remarkable for such a small space. For the adult viewer, MOD can come off as a bit saccharin and drag at moments, but with a cute young cast and storylines that revolve around abrupt romances, musical obsession and annoying parents, this is just the ticket for that teenager who bores easily at the theatre.
Fritzie reviewed the Edinburgh preview of the show in New York at 59e59
[Fritzie Andrade]
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