Horatio Hornbeam likes nuts. In his mouth. And if you didn't get it the first time, you'll have dozens of reminders of this fact throughout the production of I Like Nuts! (The Musical), playing at Studio Theatre for the Capital Fringe Festival.

The hammering home of such silliness is part of the charm of I Like Nuts!, but it also quickly wears thin. Those who are fans of the "Deez Nuts" school of humor should at least be able to make it through the first couple musical numbers, but then what? Writers H.F. Greek and Chris Davenport have put together a Wizard of Oz style journey to advance the proceedings of I Like Nuts!, but with mixed results (resisting...mixed nuts...reference...).

Along for the journey, among others - a domestically disturbed couple of squirrels, a vampire, a robot, a slacker. They provide varying degrees of amusement; Josh Drew is a wry delight as the robot, Greg Crowe grows quickly shrill as Rob The Angry Squirrel. Perhaps most enjoyable is the buddy-comedy chemistry between the clueless Hornbeam (Nick Greek) and the loyal and affable Gary (Josh Drumwright, the funniest of the bunch), who seem to be aspiring to a Tenacious D-style bond.

The musical numbers are of the comedic singer/songwriter school of writing, and while they produce some laughs, there really could stand to be a few more (rhyming "lame ass" with "famous" is among the better lyrical moments). What the show really needs, though, is more energy, particularly during the chorus numbers -- choreography is done haphazardly, vocals peter out. If you're going to sell absurdity, you really have to commit to it.

I Like Nuts! (The Musical) has five remaining performances, including tonight. Tickets are available online.