Review
CRITIC’S PICK
   Mask
      directed by Richard Maltby Jr.
with musical staging by Patti Colombo
Pasadena Playhouse
through April 20

The beauty of Mask lies first and foremost in the heartwarming nature of Rocky Dennis and how he related so well to the world. Different, because of a cranial bone deformation, he was otherwise completely normal. He was not disabled. He was exceedingly intelligent, goal-oriented and caring to everyone with whom he came in contact. This is not a fictional account of a sympathetic underdog like the Phantom of the Opera or Beauty and the Beast, but a true story of a teenage boy in the 70s with a ‘big head’ living in Azusa, California who beat all medical odds to see the arrival of his 16th birthday. His mother was a drug addict who hung out with bikers. This subculture that became Rocky’s extended family was rough, raw –hardly your average lifestyle, which makes for a totally fascinating exploration. 

Grounded in reality, the story resonates to become bigger than life, fully deserving the lavish attention of a film in its honor, and now a pop rock opera for the stage. With book by Anna Hamilton Phelan (who also penned the 1985 screenplay), music and lyrics by renowned husband and wife team Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil and direction by Richard Maltby Jr., Mask ‘s originality gives it an undeniably magnetic appeal, that should put it smack dab on Broadway.

Phelan keeps the book faithful to the film, focusing on Rocky’s attempt to pass a series of life tests on his way to manhood, which includes getting his mom clean from drugs and finding a girl to love. Every man has a dream, in this case, it’s a biker’s dream: to make a run to Sturgis, South Dakota, a place representing heaven on earth. Rocky achieves 2 out of 3, as fate puts the 3rd out of reach. Due to Phelan’s cautious focus away from sentimentality, Mask remains a spiritual celebration of his all too short
existence.

Mann and Weil’s score is a powerhouse, moving the story forward, propelling the characters into their telling modes of emotional transition, and providing enjoyment along the way. Most thrilling are Dozer’s joyous “Close to Heaven”, “Look at You” with a marvelously staged ‘look into the mirror of reality’ moment, Rusty’s smashing range with “I Can’t” and Rocky’s plaintif state of confusion in “Planet Vulkturn” – all dramatically and harmoniously satisfying.

The ensemble is first rate. Michelle Duffy’s mom Rusty is tough, yet completely vulnerable. Her second act catharsis is incredible. Allen E. Read soars as Rocky, whose kind-hearted demeanor never belies his teen angst. Michael Lanning is dynamic as the untypical big brother figure Dozer and Greg Evigan offers a loveable portrayal of the manly drifter Gar. Also outstanding are Diane Delano in 2 roles as Retread and the caring teacher Ms Mendez, Mark Luna as the nerdy T-Bone, Sarah Glendening as the beautiful blind girl Diana, with whom Rocky experiences his first true love and Suzanne Petrela, likeable as the streetwise Angel.

You can almost feel the pollution in Robert Brill’s wonderfully realistic scenic design of Azusa with its hills and telephone poles in the
background.

Broadway is in desperate need of a new musical hit, one that audiences can relate to, exult in and remember for years to come. Mask has it all – a book that provides entertainment and depth, a heart-pumping score, finely paced direction and an unbeatable cast.

Go see it, through April 20 only!

5 out of 5 stars