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| David Rossmer and Steve Rosen. Photo: Caitlin McNaney |
The Other Josh Cohen
Book, Music and Lyrics by David Rossmer and Steve Rosen
Directed by Hunter Foster
Westside Theatre
Through April 28
By Lauren Yarger
What's It All About?
A quirky and fun rock musical reviewing events in the last year of the life of Josh Cohen (Steven Rosen) as told by Josh Cohen (David Rossmer). The stars are the book, music and lyric writers of this tale about a nice guy who cannot find a girlfriend and cannot catch a break. Suddenly, it seems as though luck might have come his way when he receives a large check in the mail from a long-lost relative. But this is Josh, the guy with all the bad luck. The check actually was intended for someone with the same name and so he begins a letter writing campaign to vent his frustration at the "other Josh Cohen."
What Are the Highlights?
A bouncy, catchy score and smart direction by Hunter Fosters which allows interaction between the two Joshs as well as with the ensemble transforming with wigs and costumes (Costume Designer Nikki V. Moody) into a variety of characters. Hunter creates characters and scenes as if from air and seamlessly has actors switching between action and playing instruments in this fast-paced 90 minutes.
A bouncy, catchy score and smart direction by Hunter Fosters which allows interaction between the two Joshs as well as with the ensemble transforming with wigs and costumes (Costume Designer Nikki V. Moody) into a variety of characters. Hunter creates characters and scenes as if from air and seamlessly has actors switching between action and playing instruments in this fast-paced 90 minutes.
Filling out the cast are (amusingly credited in the Playbill as "A Lot of People," "A Bunch of People," "A Bunch of Other People," "The Rest of the People" and "At Least One More Person" -- if that makes you chuckle, you will enjoy the show -- are Jane Bruce, Louis Tucci, Cathryn Wake, Luke Darnell and Elizabeth Nestlebrode.
What Are the Lowlights?
There is a bit of confusion at the top of the show as Josh's apartment is burglarized. the action takes place over a fairly long period of time as the audience is still entering and it is hard to know if we are supposed to be watching the action carefully or not. It's a small complaint.
More Information:
The Other Josh Cohen has been extended at the Westside Theatre, 407 West 43rd St., NYC through April 28.
Additional credits:
Scenic Designer Carolyn Mraz; Lighting Designer Jeff Croiter; Sound Designer Bart Fasbender; Music Supervisor Dan Lipton;; Co-Orchestrators David Rossmer and Dan Lipton. Musical Staging is by Whitney G-Bowley.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY FACTORS:
-- Language
-- Lord's name taken in vain