Regina Comet Review

This was my first off broadway show ever. This show was clever, heartwarming, and funny. Regina Comet tells the story of two men who endure challenges while trying to write a commercial jingle for a big-name pop star. The music is very contemporary, reminiscent of musicals from the 90s and early 2000s. I found the music is almost like a mix between Jason Robert Brown, Jonathan Larson, and Jon Hartmere. The first song is performed by the character Regina, though the show is entitled “Regina Comet” I think it would have been better to have the song writing characters open up the show. If you think about most musicals they set up the plot right off the bat in the opening number and introduces us to the main characters. This show does set up the plot well in the first song, however we are not immediately introduced to the two men who are the focus point of the show. Do I think Fankhauser and Wyse made a mistake in doing this? I’m not sure, it’s different though. And I would be interested to see how things would alter if the fist and second songs were rearranged, though more work would need to be done in changing the show if that were to happen. I really enjoyed all the harmonies and riffs added into the score as Wyse and Fankhauser are phenomenal singers. Moving forward, the set wasn’t too big or too small. It filled the stage and I commend the fact that nearly every piece of furniture was functional and put to use in multiple ways. To say the least, the set flowed well. I’m not an expert on lighting design, but the lighting was fun and colorful. The ending was comedic and enjoyable, though I felt as if it came almost out of nowhere. There could have been a smoother transition and it leaves the audience with questions, like; what happened to the nature of Regina and Man 2’s relationship? We never find out how he decides to handle his fondness for Regina. But the ending is light-hearted and upbeat. The male characters may benefit from names, but believe it’s supposed to show that most small writers don’t typically get the credit they deserve for all their talent. As someone who hopes to become a writer one day, I really appreciated this musical. And the literary humor does not go unnoticed. I think the plot is original and it shows the struggles of passionately collaborating with someone you call a friend, but also a coworker. Did I hope that secretly the men were in love with each other and dropping small hints throughout the show? Yes. Did I kind of hope that the ending would work out a bit differently and Regina would stay a pop star? Also yes. But the most important thing is that she chose her happiness over fame and money. It’s kind of meta to listen to songs written about writing songs. Overall I had a great time seeing this show and writing is certainly a strong suit for both Wyse and Fankhauser. I would return if I could.