Sometimes, in New York, a theatrical production is so bad that it becomes good. This one hit that point, then went right back to bad, and stayed there for almost three hours. Cole Porter’s rarely done musical, “Nymph Errant” is about a girl that travels the world after school, hopping from male suitor to suitor in her pursuit for love. They all turn out to be losers. Because of its moral questionability, lack of a male lead, and racist overtones, it was never picked up by the American theatre. And the American theatre was wise to do so. The forgetable tunes and shallow characters might have been brought to live with a bit of a budget. Or perhaps, direction. This was absent. As was any set. The Medicine Show Theatre Company clearly spent all their budget on lavish costumes from every part of the world. This was not enough to make the show watchable.
Most of the actors were below average if not completely untalented. There were a few that were talented and knew the show was a dud, and seemed embarassed and apologetic in their performances. A dialect/speech coach was desperately needed.

My friend Sarah Engelke played the lead role, Evangeline. She was cute and witty with great comic timing. It was great to see her in as a leading lady. I wish it had been another show.

Michael Ruby, another actor I worked with in “Lost” was also featured in the cast. I love listening to his clear, strong tenor voice. His comic timing with his racist-man role was good also.

Other than that, the majority of the night was laughable. I lied and said I was a student so I paid $15, while my companion had to pay $20. It is amazing to think that with a few more dollars, we could have seen something funny or intelligent or stimulating, or enriching in some way. Sorry, Medicine Show. You are going to have to do better than that. The strange thing is that this company has existed in NYC for over thirty years. So confusing.