With its infectious but raw score, frenetic central character and perfunctory plot (a man’s newfound homosexuality threatens his marriage), composer/lyricist William Finn’s “In Trousers” is the musical theatre equivalent of a cupcake—sweet and temporarily energizing but ultimately leaving you craving for more. This is not a bad thing, however, since dramatic nourishment can be found in its companion piece, “Falsettos” (see separate listing), a continuation of this wonderful cast of characters and a testament to the development of Finn as a first-class musical theatre artist. But if you can’t get to the other show, the indelible performances in this one—especially that of Joe Schenck as Marvin—make “In Trousers” essential viewing. Wearing heart on sleeve and with tongue firmly planted in cheek, Mr. Schenck is a natural song-and-dance man who never misses a beat. “In Trousers” is being presented in repertory along with the later piece, “Falsettos,” by Porchlight Music Theatre and if you take in both, watch them in non-chronological order: “Trousers” will be a buoyant lift from the heart-wrenching finale to “Falsettos.” (F.O. Almeida)
A Dose of Soul: A Review of Pump Boys & Dinettes at Porchlight Music Theatre The show is a small miracle, surviving four decades and its corn-poney Southern-ish roots and emerging largely free of the pre-woke landmines rife in musical theater of "Pump Boys’" vintage and before…due in large part to the skillful adaptation by Chicago director Daryl Brooks who imports a strong, rousing dose of soul into the show’s mix.
