‘Striking 12’
Where: Arena Stage, 1800 S. Bell St., Arlington
When: See Web site for dates and times; through Dec. 13
Info: $25 to $45; 202-488-3300; arenastage.org
Stunning. Energetic. Clever. Inspired. Pick your adjective. GrooveLily, the unconventional musical trio performing “Striking 12” at Arena Stage, is all of these and more.
GrooveLily, comprised of Valerie Vigoda (co-author, electric violin and vocals), Brendan Milburn (co-author, keyboards and vocals), Gene Lewin (drums and vocals), likes to blur the lines between various kinds of music. Instead of squeezing themselves into a category, the bandmates deliver an intriguing blend of overlapping styles.
In “Striking 12,” Vigoda, Milburn and Lewin have multiple roles: They provide music, they play characters in the story, either speaking or singing their parts, and they accompany the other characters. “Striking 12” begins on the last day of the year with sad, lonely Brendan sitting in his office cubicle, as his friends ask: “What Are You Gonna Do On New Year’s Eve?”
Having just broken off his engagement, Brendan wants to do nothing but watch television, but when he gets home, there’s a knock at the door. It’s a stranger (Val), who is selling light bulbs to counteract seasonal affective disorder. Val practices her sales pitch on Brendan, in an increasingly fast and hilarious duet. Val’s visit leads to a discussion of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Match Girl,” a story that is then woven into the plot.
There are many funny moments in “Striking 12”: a comment on the dearth of watchable television shows on New Year’s Eve, a send-up of “Law and Order,” a comment on how impossible it is to be honest (“Hey La La/Fine, Fine”) and Gene’s plea for attention (“Give the Drummer Some”). They are neatly balanced with the more serious numbers, especially the pretty ballad “Snow Song” and Val’s exquisite “Caution to the Wind.”
All three performers are top-notch. Gene and Brendan are somewhat bound to their instruments, but the incomparable Val moves around the stage playing her electric violin, at times finding it hard to remain earthbound, bouncing into the air like the rock star she is.
Whatever your opinion of New Year’s Eve may be, “Striking 12” is a production that will encourage and inspire you to enjoy the holidays.
