While this reviewer has definitely left some shows thinking, “What the hell was that?”, there isn’t a show that has elicited that kind of reaction from me (but in a wholly delightful and ridiculously entertaining way) as much as the Barry Martin-directed Revenge of the Rebobs! The ’80s-themed cryptozoology musical comedy runs at the Lucky Penny Community Arts Center in Napa through Nov. 8.
What are Rebobs exactly? That murkiness is part of the random, oh-so-’80s essence one is going to see, along with tons of lampooning of everything from politics to music to PG&E. It’s an absurd two-hour romp set right in Napa Valley that leans heavily into the local legend of mysterious flying robot monkeys.
The whole thing is a melange of bonkers hijinks, courtesy of the book by director Martin and the music, lyrics, arrangements and musical direction by Rob Broadhurst.
Rebobs! has far less horror and gore than I wanted (after all, the subject matter and language are already pretty much adult-only), but no matter; it’s bizarre and hilarious, for the most part, especially in numbers like “It’s Halloween (At The N.S.H),” and “Randy & Candy Candeux.”
The actors playing the main characters (Jeremy Kreamer as cryptozoology truther Andy Candeux, Andrea Davis, who shares the role of capable Candy Mandrew with actress Taylor Bartolucci, and Jenny Veilleux as put-upon towngirl Janet) are all highly skilled and take their more “straight” roles quite seriously, which leaves most of the goofing off to the supporting performers. There is some standout character work being done, primarily by Sarah Lundstrom, Sean O’Brien, Emma Sutherland and Arthur Mautner.
It’s apparent that the whole cast is having a fantastic time.
The scenic design by Barry Martin is evocative of our redwood forests and is accented with a gorgeously done lighting scheme by April George. Costumes by Barbara McFadden are kitschy and make the most of the 1980s tackiness. Choreography by Bartolucci is fast-paced and well executed.
Having never seen a musical at Lucky Penny before, I found the sound a bit disorienting at first, with a muffled quality, but soon grew accustomed to the acoustics of the very small space.
If one is a fan of original works—and it is important to support original works and local writers—then Revenge of the Rebobs! is a must-see.
It’s a fun and funny evening of Napa Valley-flavored theater.
‘Revenge of the Rebobs!’ runs through Nov. 8 at the Lucky Penny Community Arts Center, 1758 Industrial Way, Napa. Thurs–Sat, 7:30pm; Sun, 2pm. $30–$49. 707.266.6305. luckypennynapa.com.
