F#@king Up Everything won heaps of critical acclaim in the Big Apple when it was presented as part of the New York Musical Theater Festival in 2009. Creator David Eric Davis has further developed his award-winning book since then. That’s what his parents told me as we chatted in the back of the theater after joining them for a standing ovation as the play premiered in D.C. this past weekend. They were even ready for a let-down, having enjoyed the original so much. But there was none — the new F#@king Up Everything that is debuting at Capital Fringe is much closer to Off-Broadway than New York Avenue and 6th Street NW.
This “rock musical comedy with heart–and ironic t-shirts” is doing ten Fringe Festival shows (the typical number is 5), then staying on at the Woolly Mammoth Theater, running every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening through August 15. That’s good news for anyone looking for a fresh, fun, feel-good number in Washington.
F#@king Up Everything quickly proves it is more than just a lineup of Williamsburg references set to music. There are plenty. It certainly wouldn’t hurt, but you don’t need to hang out in McCarren Park, drink bottles of PBR or be the only straight queer studies major at Sarah Lawrence College to get the jokes. The skinny jeans references — along with a live rock band, Noam Chomsky-esque hand puppets and a ménage-a-tois — are all backdrops to a play that examines whether the good guy can get the sweet girl or if she’ll ditch him for his smooth talking and better looking pal.
A mix of young and sharp D.C. and New York-based performers shine across the board. The good guy, a Jew named Christian Mohammed Schwartzelberg, is brought to life lovingly and awkwardly Lee August Praley. His bro and foil Jake, played by American University grad John Fritz, can rock the stage from his time playing in local band Mass Ave and brings the right amount hipster douchebaggery to his role. Crystal Mosser is vibrant with a charming disbelieving laugh as love interest Juliana. As Ivy, Dani Stoller provides some emotional heft and strong vocals, and lest you think her character’s boyfriend Tony is just part of the back-up band, Jason Wilson provides comic relief to an already very funny play as the stoner bassist. Crystal Arnette provides sultry relief as Bushwick rock legend and man-eater Arielle.
It’s strong voices, acting and sex-appeal all around throughout with Davis’ 21-song score, packing quite a punch and ringing in at a little under two hours. The musical never drags and while it’s non-stop fun, the happy ending for the likable characters might still bring a tear to your eye.
F#@king Up Everything has shows on July 22, 23, and 24 and will continue its run subsequently at the Woolly Mammoth Theater. Tickets are available online. (Show website may be NSFW due to language).
