The Fix

NYU loves to tackle the odd shows and that is wonderful. The overly produced classics are not for NYU. THE FIX (music by Dana P. Rowe; book and lyrics by John Dempsey) is an oddity from London’s West End satirizing American Politics from the perspective of 1997. NYU updated a few references and the story played beautifully as contemporary commentary, suggesting the rise of George W. Bush. With a rock score, the show is a kind of hard core OF THE I SING. The problem with satire is that it’s cynical and without heart. For a musical to really work, pointing out the smoke and mirrors of American politics is not enough, there must be someone to fall in love with, support and root for. All of the characters in THE FIX are despicable, sad or stupid and so it is hard to like a show when you don’t like the people of the story. On the other hand, this college cast was superb. They are a talented bunch, headed by the wonderful Bryan Welnicki as Cal Chandler, the boy who will be made into a President come Hell or high water––that is, if he doesn’t get assassinated for having his own ideas and speaking his mind. John Simpkins directed the production, which entertained quite well in spite of itself. MK Lawson choreographed spirited numbers that kept a static script moving. The score, when sung as well as it was at NYU, was engaging and kept the whole thing energized. THE FIX is interesting––it has something real to say about the hypocrisy of the American political system, it has a score worth hearing and the potential to show off great talents, but it is not a good show. It certainly isn’t satisfying for it only shows the ugliness of humanity and none of the beauty.