TLS Denver Review 1 (Song of Intimacy)

'Last Session' sings a song of intimacy

by Thom Wise
Rocky Mountain News
June 18, 1999

Our Rating:

B-

Showtimes:

The Shop
6/10/99 to 7/31/99
8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays

Ticket Info:

(303) 355-7269

Readers' Rating:

A+

Comments:

"Despite the subject matter, it's as funny as any Neil Simon play I've ever seen."

"I fell in Love with all of the actors in the play. If you go to any play this summer see Footloose - if you see another, see The Last Session"

"From the moment I entered the theater, with the red light, and Recording studio atmosphere, to the end. I was engaged by the story, the singing, lighting, and acting ability of this ensemble cast. "

"A compelling piece with a great ensemble cast. It makes you laugh, cry and think. A must see!!"

Forget the bleak subject matter and a few glaring plot flaws: The Last Session has plenty of heart to make up for it.

Famous songwriter Gideon (Jody Wells) has AIDS. He decides to stop the endless parade of doctors and drugs by taking his own life. To mark the "occasion," he wants to record a series of songs to leave for his lover and for posterity. The only person who knows his plan is Jim (Jeff Simpson), the recording engineer.

Gradually, the back-up singers arrive. Tryshia (Venus Cruz) plays the diva, full of sass and ego. She immediately clashes with Vicki (Carla Kaiser), an imposing female presence if ever there was one. These two women are fire and ice, perennially snarling and snapping at each other, yet the thing that binds them is their affection for Gideon.

Buddy (Step Pearce) becomes the fourth voice in the quartet. He's a naive Christian boy from the South who idolizes Gideon's writing skills. With a little deception, he manages to get himself included in the recording session. Gideon is in a bind and doesn't have time to find another singer -- but he also finds that he doesn't have the patience to tolerate Buddy's hard-core religious beliefs.

Unable to keep the secret to himself, Jim blurts out the truth and tells the singers the reason they've been asked to record these songs. Much of the emotion of the moment is addressed during The Singer and the Song, which is followed by the rousing finale, When You Care.

The three back-up singers are professionals, and supposedly walking into the recording session cold. They must be really good at their craft, because they rarely glance at the music or even turn a page. During one the best songs, Friendly Fire, they walk in front of their music stands and perform a bit of "impromptu," yet well-choreographed, dance moves. It's also odd that no one uses a headset or a monitor, and that every song is recorded on the first take. Again, just enjoy and don't sweat the details.

The Last Session has Kaiser and Cruz going for it, two strong singers who bring depth and passion to their characters. Ultimately, it's a highly personal piece that succeeds because of its intimacy and unvarnished sincerity.