Back to front, from left, Frankie Zabilka, Jordan Mitchell-Love, Clint Blakely, Malissa Marlow, Hallie Mayer, Casey Hunter, Andrew Landecker, Jayna Sweet, Tianna Cohen, Melvin Biteng, James Everts, and Allie Costa of “The Bully Problem” at The Broadwater at the Hollywood Fringe Festival 2019. (Photo by Matt Kamimura)
Remember how you felt the first time you performed in, or even saw, your first high school or college musical? Remember that giddy excitement that sent warm shivers down your spine, instilling a feeling that told you this is how it should always be? If for some reason you’ve since lost that passionate feeling about musical theatre, then “The Bully Problem” will resurrect it. It may resurrect some bitter and bittersweet ones about bullying and puberty, as well.
With book, music and lyrics by Michael Gordon Shapiro, “The Bully Problem” so far is my favorite musical to come out of Hollywood Fringe this year. Directed and choreographed by Joanna Syiek, with music direction from Jennifer Lin, the show is very well paced and the cast navigates the generous Broadwater Mainstage space to full potential.
Chock full of tasty toe-tapping songs, dance numbers, and uplifting and inspiring “good feels.” This tremendously talented ensemble cast of “nerds” and “bullies” who, together with a very handy “invention,” teach and encourage how and when to take that stand Continue reading
