Sometimes, the most unexpected sparks in pop culture can ignite compelling theatrical narratives. Playwright Brett Neveu seems to have embraced this idea when crafting “Verböten,” a vibrant new musical currently captivating audiences at The House Theatre of Chicago, under Nathan Allen’s insightful direction. Inspired by the real-life Chicago teenage punk band of the same name, who burst onto the scene for a brief but intense fifteen months, “Verböten” features original songs by Jason Narducy, a founding member of the original band. What better way to capture the essence of teenage exuberance than to collaborate with someone who lived it?
As one might anticipate from a musical centered on teenagers, “Verböten” pulses with teenage angst and raw emotion, both its strengths and weaknesses. It’s a whirlwind of messiness, youthful energy, anger, confusion, and overall emotional intensity, perhaps occasionally lacking in profound depth or nuanced reasoning. It’s undeniably a thrilling ride, albeit one that feels somewhat dramatically untamed. Despite its narrative imperfections, the sheer energy and musicality make it a captivating experience.
The storyline itself is straightforward: it’s the day before Verböten’s pivotal show at the iconic Cubby Bear in Wrigleyville. The teen punk-rock stars grapple with pre-performance jitters, largely fueled by anxieties stemming from their family dynamics. These anxieties become the emotional core of Narducy’s songs, seamlessly integrated into the performance, both as part of the band’s setlist and as expressive outbursts within the scenes. These musical numbers are the undeniable highlight of “Verböten” and the primary reason to experience it. Ranging from full-throttle punk anthems to more melodic musical theatre rock, each song is an emotionally charged earworm, delivered with sincerity and skill by a remarkably talented ensemble cast.
However, as a piece of musical theatre, “Verböten” treads familiar ground, facing a common critique: outstanding songs overshadowed by a less compelling narrative structure. In their endeavor to flesh out the slice-of-life stories of these teenagers and their families, Neveu introduces somewhat rudimentary conflicts for the characters to navigate. While these conflicts generate dramatic tension, they don’t always offer sufficient resolution or explore the deeper “Why?” behind the characters’ struggles within the broader narrative.
For instance, the act one climax hinges on an outburst of abusive behavior from Jason’s father (Ray Rehberg), which feels somewhat jarring and inconsistent with his previously established character. Jason’s stepfather (Jimmy Chung), portrayed as a supportive and caring figure, exists almost as an idealized presence, raising questions about the authenticity of his connection with Jason. Similarly, Zack’s (Jeff Kurysz) teenage frustration towards his father feels somewhat forced, as his dad (Marc A. Rogers, who delivers a memorable dad-rock musical number) is presented as overwhelmingly positive and supportive. The development of Chris (Matthew Lunt) and his sister’s (Marika Mashburn) relationship feels rushed, arriving late in the second act. Even her undeniably powerful rock song, “I Can’t Count on Love,” while a show-stopping moment musically, somewhat disrupts the second act’s narrative momentum.
Despite these narrative shortcomings, and occasional dialogue that veers between naive sincerity and unearned self-awareness, “Verböten” offers considerable enjoyment, particularly for those seeking high-energy Chicago Play Songs. It’s a musical about the universal teenage quest for belonging, a theme that resonates even as the production itself seems to be still finding its footing. Kieran McCabe and Krystal Ortiz shine as the teenage leads, bringing both impressive vocal talent and genuine emotional depth to their respective roles. They embody their characters with authenticity and vibrancy, injecting life and color into a musical that, at this stage, feels more like a promising sketch than a fully realized masterpiece. (Ben Kaye)
The House Theatre of Chicago at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 West Division, (773)769-2832, thehousetheatre.com, $30-$50. Through March 8.
