HIM AND HER
nytheatre.com review by Seth Bisen-Hersh
August 15, 2002
There are very few shows that I can only find minimal criticisms with.
Him and Her is one of them. I have no doubt from the sold out
audience’s reaction tonight that Him and Her will be one of the
best selling and most enjoyed shows in FringeNYC this year. I highly
recommend it to any lover of musicals.A true life tale (kind of like a cross between The Last Five Years and tick, tick... BOOM), the show consists of two acts, each told from a different point of view. The first act is told by "him" about his angst while trying to become a Broadway composer, meeting his wife and finally the birth of his first child "Tiny Dancer." The author himself, Paul Scott Goodman, performs this act with only his twelve string guitar. Although he is not the best singer, his charm, stage presence and frequent adlibs more than makes up for it.
The second act is reenacted by her (Liz Larsen), five years later, when they have separated. She is aptly joined by two guitars and a drum. This act is about her life as a housewife in "Domestica." It follows her trying time as a writing blocked playwright with a five year old in Annie and a three year old lawyer-wanna-be (who when her mother needs money for a cab ride, demands ten percent interest). Larsen is forever wonderful and does an amazing job with the complicated lyrics.
The lyrics are simply wonderful. There are far too many clever rhymes and witty lines to list in this short space. The music is not revolutionary, but it supports the lyrics well and definitely fits the piece. There aren’t any standout numbers because everything fits perfectly and is delectable to watch. The acts are the perfect length, as well. The ending is beautifully crafted. The show is immensely filled with humor, charm and wit. I have no doubt that anyone and everyone will enjoy this show.
