Imagine this if you will. A jukebox musical featuring the songs of the 1980’s hit girl group, The Go-Go’s. Now imagine those 1980’s songs being sung and performed throughout an Elizabethan-era dialog script. I’ll bet you’re not following me. Visualize a story about a king and queen in a faraway land where they rule their kingdom speaking in the language of Shakespearean verse full of “thee’s” and “thou’s” and then suddenly the cast breaks into the 1980’s version of “We’ve Got the Beat”!..... Me think it strange as well.

“Head Over Heels” is now into its two-week run at the Forestburgh Playhouse. The musical’s plot is based on the 16th century prose romance written by Sir Philip Sidney titled “The Countess of Pembroke’s Arcadia” and revolves around a royal family in the fictional land of Arcadia who try to save their kingdom from the doomsday prophesies of a shadowy, forest dwelling oracle. Revelations of love, tolerance and self acceptance become the keys to the kingdom’s survival. Yes, it’s a silly show full of camp and often times quite bawdy farcical comedy sprinkled with lots of slapstick. 

Director/Choreographer Chaz Wolcott’s dance and staging maneuvers are creatively chaotic and nothing short of “arousingly” energetic at times. I think the script falls short of having any kind of meaningful inclusivity theme, but the fantasy world of Arcadia where every relationship is encouraged and acknowledged and every individual’s persona is welcome certainly inspires envy for today’s society. The ensemble of this production is a constant. In, out, costume changes, set changes, secondary roles and some fantastic dance numbers keep them on their toes literally! I want to take this moment to single out two members of the resident company who, to me, have been standouts this season. The whole res company has been a talented powerhouse, but I’d like to mention Jake Bieniewicz and Jacob Kim. Mr. Bieniewicz’s gymnastic dance moves have repeatedly added some “Wow!” to a few numbers and scenes. Mr. Kim draws attention every time he is on stage exuding a crisp exactness to his movements. It is always a pleasure to take notice of the hard-working res company members who eventually return to bigger roles or become recognized elsewhere in the tough world of show-biz! Great job to the entire company!

And speaking of returning performers, How ‘bout that Christina Stroup? She dazzled us before in the Playhouse and now returns to command this stage as Queen Gynecia. It’s a great role for her. Strong, charismatic woman who runs from nothing and wants what she wants. The always loveable and hilarious Robert Anthony Jones cracks us up as the King’s sidekick Dametas. Leland Burnett as King Basilus reigns over this wacky roost with comic flair and fatherly advice for his two daughters Pamela (Vivienne Gianneschi) and Philoclea (Mia McManamy). As very dissimilar sisters, Ms. Gianneschi and Ms. McManamy shine vocally and lend a merriment to their sibling differences. Mason Ballard as Musidorus does a really nice job as the poor shepherd boy who falls for one of the princess daughters and goes to gender bending extremes to woo her. Strong vocal performances were provided by Leilani Miranda as Mopsa; Pamela’s lady in waiting as well as by L. Walter as the mysterious oracle Pythio. Maggie Jackson’s very colorful and eye-catching set is striking and the picture-perfect background to this fantastical setting.

“Head Over Heels” ran about six months on Broadway back in 2018. It’s not going to be a classic, but if you’re in the mood for a silly, upbeat trip into the make-believe land of Arcadia set against the “The Beat” of the Go-Go’s, then “Head Over Heels” is worth a gander!

“Head Over Heels” will run through August 24. Tickets and information are available through the box office at 845-794-1194 or online at fbplayhouse.org.