“SuperYou” reviewed by Amy Menzel- Milwaukee

[rating=5]I’ve never been more excited to write a review. I’m a little nervous too, because I want to do this show justice. SuperYou is a new musical by Lourds Lane, so this may be the first you’re reading of it. Skylight Music Theatre is hosting its world premiere developmental presentation before the production heads to London’s West End. And folks, we are lucky to be here for it.

Now, there is a decent chance you have heard of this new show because even though the original production was put on hold during the pandemic, the truly creative team behind it pivoted to find ways to get the music, the story, and the message out into the world. They leveraged social media and even staged a socially distant production in the back of pickup trucks on the grounds of an outdoor movie theater. They found – no, they created ways to connect, which so beautifully reflects the themes of hope and resilience that resonate in this show.

SuperYou follows the story of Katie White, an artist who follows her older brother’s advice to “draw yourself into somebody stronger,” and comes to find her strength and share her voice when her creations come to life. It’s chalked full of energizing and passionate numbers, the titles of which read a bit like a found poem in the program. The music takes its inspiration from rock and soul and even a little bit from country (prompting one character to ask, “Why am I singing a country song?”) and the voices are big and bold and extraordinary.

Even if the story stunk (it doesn’t) or the music was meh (it isn’t), the immense talent brought to this stage is worth witnessing. I’d gladly watch this cast sing renditions of “Happy Birthday” for hours. And if their multiple “Yasss, girl” exclamations were any indication, I think the patron next to me would too.

Between the big voices and the striking visuals, it’s a lot for 358-seat Cabot Theatre, yet the clean lines in set and screen design, the minimalist use of props, and the thoughtful, fluid blocking and choreography allow every moment and every performer of this musical to shine. My only wish (which I may very well grant myself upon my return to see this show a second time) is that I sat a little further back so as to better take it all in.

This is the musical the world needs now. If I had the money, I would buy a ticket for everyone I know – including you, dear reader.

Skylight’s season was set to close with the production of The Song of Bernadette, but the production had to be postponed. Inadvertently, Skylight saved the best for last with the addition of SuperYou to cap off the 2022-2023 season.

Go see this show!  Worth the drive!

★★★★★

SuperYou plays now through June 18 at Skylight Music Theatre located at 158 N. Broadway in Milwaukee’s Third Ward.

The show runs two hours and 30 minutes, including one 20-minute intermission.

Thursdays and Fridays – 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sundays – 2 p.m.
Tuesday, June 6 – 6:30 p.m.
Wednesdays – 7:30 p.m. (Wednesday matinee, June 14 at 2 p.m.)

An ASL-interpreted performance will be held on Thursday, June 15 at 7:30 p.m. Call the Box Office or email tickets@skylightmusictheatre.org and mention the ASL performance for appropriate seating.

Get your tickets now! Tickets start at $40 and can be purchased online at www.skylightmusictheatre.org or you can call the Box Office at 414-291-7800.

If you’re anxious to hear/learn more, author/creator/SuperYouman Lourds Lane shares 5 things you should know before seeing the show here: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CMATr25pWJr/
(To be fair, I knew none of this going in, aside from the talk of a spectacular team of female creatives. I found this video after seeing the show and appreciate the insight and enthusiasm.)

For more info, visit www.skylightmusictheatre.org