Cape Rep stages world premiere of 'Archibald Avery,' a musical by three Cape brothers
Editor's note: Due to a reviewer's error, this story was changed April 18 to correct which instruments the Devine brothers were playing, and to fix a typo in their last name.
Review: 'Archibald Avery: A New Musical'
Written by: Book, music and lyrics by Paddo Devine, Seamus Devine and Macklin Devine, based on the original characters and poetry of Macklin Devine.
What it’s about: An author is facing a crushing deadline to produce good work and is stuck on one idea that haunts his thoughts. It’s the classic tale of the old recluse, a scary and mysterious person who kills any child that comes to his front door. The scenario is familiar but that’s where the expected stops and what follows is completely new territory. The story is told in a pleasing mix of prose, poetry, song and instrumental music ranging from rock to ballads to lullabies. There’s no putting this play into a box with defined edges. It’s a surprise every step of the way.
Highlight of the show: There’s a lot to like about this world premiere, commissioned by Cape Rep’s Artistic Director Janine Perry. Three brothers ― Paddo, Seamus and Macklin Devine ― collaborate to create memorable music and a plot that is entangled enough to stimulate discussion. Macklin does heavy-duty acting while Seamus keeps the rhythm, even with typewriter keys, and Paddo essentially plays the ‘soundtrack’ throughout. Even the well-appointed set by Ryan McGettigan features clever prop devices that add intriguing notes to every scene.
Fun Fact: "Archibald Avery: A New Musical" is a family affair. Maura Hanlon, associate artistic director at Cape Rep, acting teacher and mother of the Devine brothers, directs the play with skill and vision. Father Art Devine is a playwright, director, actor and designer on the teaching staff at Cape Rep. The brothers Devine have been collaborating their whole lives. They perform together as a local rock band called Club 9 Ball, and all three have acted or provided music on the stage at various theaters across the Cape.
See It or not: This new musical is a good night out and even features hummable tunes. Said a friend who came because she likes the brothers Divine's band, “these guys can play anything.” And she’s right. There are multiple guitars, drums, a ukulele and combined with entertaining lyrics, you could close your eyes and almost feel that you were in a concert except that you wouldn’t want to miss a moment of the action. Perry says, in her introduction, “this is unique, watching the birth of a new play by people in your community.”
Worth noting: The music and poetry are dramatized by two actors playing multiple parts. Jess Andra moves skillfully from portraying a young, doomed child to a lover and a mother. She is assigned a gorgeous song that she sings twice in a beautiful soprano voice ― and if she sang it a third time, the audience would likely welcome it. Brian Lore Evans does an excellent job showing which character he is impersonating with his riveting body language. He’s extremely creepy, if not almost terrifying, when he plays Archibald Avery. The two of them are mesmerizing.
One more thing: There’s no intermission during this nearly 2-hour show. The play moves fast being both a concert and what director Hanlon calls “musical story theater.” Trying to decipher the plot, the characters, and the enjoyment of great music in between might throw you a little off-kilter but that’s a fun feeling to have during this special night at the theater.
If you go: 7 p.m. Wednesday– Saturday, Sundays at 2 p.m. through May 7. Cape Rep Theatre, 3299 Main St., Brewster. Tickets: $40 or $25 for 25 and younger, 508-896-1888 or www.caperep.org/.
This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Three Cape brothers lend creative talents to 'Archibald Avery' musical
