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The Gang's New Threads
((Theatre 1110, Hollywood; 99 seats; $ 12 top))
Written by Rob Hanning and Randy Weiner and first produced in 1988, the show feels somewhat dated. The story, loosely adapted from "The Emperor's New Clothes ," is also quite thin.
"Threads" is set in mythical Trendsville, USA, where fashion is paramount and where the Phlavors, led by GQ (Robin Andre), war with rival gangs over fashion.
Enter John (Novacain), wearing plain T-shirt and jeans, who steals the heart of Jane (Trina) away from gang heavy Hitop (Darin Campbell).
Throw in an outer space character named Fashion Man (Zeno), Hitop's jealous girlfriend Roxanne (Latamra), some gang sidekicks, a backup ensemble and a guy faking a French accent (Scott Presley) and you've got the makings of a quirky, offbeat musical.
Unfortunately, the piece never captures the street origins of rap music or hip-hop. The characterizations are flat and stereotyped, and the tone is as much television as theater, with a slapdash story that is facile in its message.
Nevertheless, the performers show terrific energy and talent, and in several instances are magnificent. Andre is wonderful as GQ, combining comic attitude with enormous physical grace and enthusiasm. Darin Campbell is a stunning vocalist, with marvelous depth and power in his solo work. Novacain and Trina are fine as the two lovers, though they don't get a chance to show much acting range.
Latamra is delightful as Roxanne, especially in her show-stopping, seductive torch number. Gimel Hooper and Blas Lorenzo are terrific both in the dancing and acting departments, and all the backup singers show real vocal talent.
Musical direction by Abby Schneider and TMT is first-rate, and DJ 44 keeps things hopping on stage with his turntable work. Set and costume design are effective and simple, as are Randy Weiner and Sabrina Peck's direction and Peck's choreography.
Choreography, Peck; musical direction; Schneider, TMT; lighting, Joe Allegro; sets, Greg Van Horn; costumes, Zelda Hacker, Tanya Reid; sound design, Meegan Holmes. Opened Oct. 18, 1994; reviewed Dec. 3; runs through Dec. 18. Running time: 2 hrs. GQ ... Robin Andre Hitop ... Darin Campbell Kicks ... Gimel Hooper Roxanne ... Latamra Laces ... Blas Lorenzo John ... Novacain Jane ... Trina Funky Fresh Francois ... Scott Presley Fashion Man ... Zeno
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