Claudia: Somebody should Slap Ben Brantley

On a good day, I feel for Ben Brantley. Today, however, I want to kick him in the shins. His snotty review has killed “High Fidelity.”

Oh, I know, other critics weren’t exactly charitable. But Brantley, the big-time, NYT reviewer, shot the sucker right between the eyes. And he should be ashamed. This was a show that was truly a ton of fun -- and now it’s closing this Sunday. And I’m pissed. Especially because I was SO SURPRISED to have enjoyed it so much!

After all, how could a Broadway musical possibly hold a candle to the film? Actor John Cusak was never better than in the lead role of the lovelorn music store owner. Jack Black’s career was made by his performance here – and Tim Robbins’ cameo as an obnoxious rebound Romeo deserves some kind of special award.

I fully expected to DETEST the Broadway version. But I was won over by the charismatic, lead actor, Will Chase, the inventive staging and yes, even the score – not the strongest on Broadway, but one which perfectly serves it purpose.

Critics can complain that this music can’t compete with treasured tracks celebrated by Hornsby’s book and featured in the film. True, of course. But it shouldn’t – and doesn’t – attempt to! Rather it riffs on many different styles of music, sending up Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen and Lyle Lovett. The Indigo Girls are name checked as are Belle and Sebastian. And one scene is played out several times in several different musical styles – with an hysterical satire of a rap video. My unscientific survey of fellow audience members found one complaint about foul language, but even the grannies were smiling. Now that’s an accomplishment for any show. It pleased the dentu-crème set – and the hard-core music fan alike.

And believe me, as a card-carrying music snob, I am sworn to detest stuff of this ilk. So here I am, putting my street cred on the line to say – this show does NOT suck!

Where does Brantley get off spoiling the fun for so many? He has every right to complain about the recent parade of crappy jukebox-i-cals and films-icles. The problem is, High Fidelity isn’t one of them. And in venting his frustration on this particular production, he has done a disservice to the many music fans who might just venture to a Broadway show (gasp!) and (shock!) actually enjoy it!

Coincidentally, the very production Brantely and his fellow old-media critics currently hail for breathing new life into this hidebound old institution of the Broadway musical sent me and my hubby scurrying to the exits at intermission!

So painful, juvenile and heavy-handed is the new-to-Broadway show, “Spring Awakening,” I barely made it through the first act. In spite of a great score from Duncan Sheik, this moldy-old story about the pain of growing up mystified me. I get it: being a horny teenager sucks. That just does not a Broadway musical make, no matter how many cast members you have masturbating on stage.

In any case, if you have any inclination to blow a few bucks on a Broadway show – I can recommend “High Fidelity” – but you better get moving, because Brantley’s assassination will effectively kill the show Sunday. R.I.P., High Fidelity. You deserved better.

Claudia