How Sweet It Is ... Cupcake: The Musical!
The cast of Cupcake (photo: Joel Benjamin)
Cupcakes.
Yum.
With so many people hankering after those cute little icing-topped cake treats these days, it seemed inevitable that there would eventually be a musical about them.
It is a distinct pleasure to report that Cupcake, the musical, is just as sweet and satisfying as the most delectable of the frosted delicacies.
Based on a true scandal that made headlines in Provincetown a couple of years ago, the storyline features a baker wanted by the law for allegedly illegally peddling cupcakes on the street.
The plot of this romantic comedy unfolds in Summertown — a suitably saccharine substitute for P’town — where there is great demand for baker Tom’s cupcakes, and even greater demand for handsome Tom himself, who is played by the twinkle-in-his-eye and fetchingly attractive Grant MacDermott.
The local gay lifeguard — in an adorable performance by Max Sangerman — wants Tom batting for his team.
While the heterosexual town librarian — performed by sexy and appealing Hallie Brevetti — wants Tom swinging for hers.
Then there’s the local cop — in a formidable comic performance by Mark Linehan — who wants Tom in jail for illicitly selling his cupcakes on the street.
Local celeb actress Karen MacDonald plays assorted other roles — judge, tourist, real estate agent — in great character-actor style.
Hummable melodies by composer Michael Wartofsky with memorable lyrics by David Reiffel weave seamlessly into Bradley Seeman’s book.
The adorable ballad “Love Me Till Labor Day” — when Tom’s true sexual orientation is revealed (no spoiler in this review!) — registers just one of the many high notes in this buoyantly romantic musical comedy.
As a world premiere, there are a few kinks to work out — in particular, a couple too many false endings — but these are quibbles.
All the ingredients are present to make this one hot-selling 'cake.
Like its namesake, Cupcake, the musical, is served up in an ideal size — sweet enough, but not overpowering, rich and satisfying without being, well, too rich or too satisfying.
Perfectly proportioned at just over sixty minutes — with a pace that director Guy Ben-Aharon keeps moving along with some wink-wink audience participation — this production provides a perfectly pleasurable outing.
Cupcake seems destined to be a seaside resort classic.
Cupcake runs Wednesday through Sundays, including for Sunday matinee/brunch performances, through June 24, at Club Café. For more information visit www.cupcakethemusical.com.
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