The beat is infectious in TCC's 'Head Over Heels' | Theater review

I can’t imagine a better show for my first theatrical review than Theater TCC!'s colorful and original "Head Over Heels" playing now at Tallahassee Community College.

"Head Over Heels" not only represents all of the wonderful elements of live theater, including bright costuming, upbeat choreography, and on-stage hijinks, but also informs a highly topical cultural issue — the presentation of an individual’s true self, and the validity of love in all forms.

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I won’t divulge too much about the subject matter, but it’s fun, flirty, queer, and transformative, and I would not have had it any other way.

The story is set in a fantastical Olympian universe, in the shining city of Arcadia where everything, and every person, has their place (whether they like it or not). A royal family, appearing as perfection on the outside, is struggling with feelings of resentment and outdated ideologies, and must complete a great journey, physically and spiritually, to rediscover their ability to love one another honestly and authentically.

Luckily for audiences, this journey is full of technicolor lights, soaring voices, joyful dancing, and the classic sounds of girl-band royalty, The Go-Go’s.

Once the Arcadian King receives word that he and his kingdom will face four life-altering prophecies, and must keep the ‘Beat’ of their great city alive, he gathers his family and all the city citizens to travel to Bohemia to try and avoid their fate - but we all know how running away from your fears works now don’t we?

Connor Albrechtsen plays King Basilius as both comic relief and the antagonistic villain that every story needs, with a buttery-rich crooner voice to boot. With the help of Queen Gynecia, glamorously played by Kaitlyn Ricketts in a royal blue gown, he rediscovers what is most important in life and ends his story arc as a newly enlightened, yet still flawed, citizen of Arcadia.

The royal daughters, Pamela and Philoclea, are as different as can be, but together, on their individual journeys to authenticity, they drive the plot forward and unapologetically pursue their passions and desires. Caitlin Ostrowski as Pamela is a powerful acting force with a soaring voice, and her character makes it very clear that she is not interested in the many suitors her father invites to the kingdom.

Her early solo, ‘"Beautiful" is empowering, and her later duet with handmaid Mopsa, "Automatic Rainy Day" is supercharged with emotion.

The younger Philoclea, played by Kayla-Elizabeth Meyzen, pines for her childhood friend Musidorus but is forbidden from being with him, as he is simply a shepherd who speaks in tongues - not a high enough pedigree for the King to accept into this family. Her performance with the ensemble in Act 2, "Here You Are" was a very moving moment and highlights the power of forgiveness and grace we intrinsically have within us.

Each character in this production is heavily supported by an amazing ensemble, who all complete set and costume changes while maintaining a heavy presence on stage. They sing, leap, twirl, and some even change into a herd of friendly sheep. The ensemble creates the most magical, fantastical moments in the story, from dragons and oracles to huge technicolor dance sequences, and watching them perform made me want to join in.

Watch the amazing cast and grow your heart three sizes, just like a springtime Grinch. Love is love, and remember:"We Are Alive - We got the Beat."

If you go

What: Head Over Heels

When: 8 p.m. April 7-8 and 14-15 and 2 p.m. April 16

Where: TCC’s Turner Auditorium, 444 Appleyard Drive

Tickets: $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for non-TCC students and children. TCC students, faculty and staff receive free admission. Visit tcc.fl.edu/theatretcc

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Infectious beat, big heart lift TCC's 'Head Over Heels' | Theater