AUGUSTA — For the final show selection of the Barn Theatre's 62nd season on Tuesday night, Barn Producer Brendan Ragotzy reached into his back pocket for "Old Timer: The Musical," a show with which he is intimately acquainted. He wrote the book and lyrics. (Music was composed by the Barn's Musical Director Troy Benton.)
Sizzling rock music in several numbers, joined with good singing and a promising story premise, led to a high-energy show appealing to former rockers in the moderate-sized audience. With its huge cast, there were many bright moments and performances to make the evening sparkle.
An earlier version of "Old Timer" debuted at the Barn in 2001. This more recent iteration is a careful reworking by Ragotzy of its predecessor, following staged readings in New York City. Set in the 1920s, the story follows a criminal's release from prison after 30 years and his traveling to California to locate his daughter, who was an infant when he was incarcerated.
Ragotzy, who also directed, studded the show with popular veterans at the Barn. Most familiar were Penelope Alex (Juanita, the long-lost daughter), Joe Aiello (California movie director James Hines), Eric Parker (detective), Scott Burkell (former sheriff Logan Bedford), Roy Brown (Hines' assistant) and Eric Petersen (gangster Johnny Molano). Simple but effective sets were designed by Dusty Reeds, and lovely costumes by Nettie Fischer. Music Director Benton led an overly loud five-piece pit orchestra.
In the lead role of ex-con Clay Miller the Barn cast David Naughton, star of films ("An American Werewolf in London") and television series ("Makin' It"). Early on, Naughton's singing of "New Frontier" and "Reflections of My Tears" sounded tentative, and his blocking appeared awkward. But he strengthened throughout to offer affecting singing in "I'll Be Here," "Kiss Juanita" and "Better Tomorrow" sung with Alex.
Two production numbers, featuring many younger performers, stood out as imaginative and very well performed, namely, "Ridin' the Rails" aboard a train and "Waiting for You" sung and danced marvelously by Lisa Marie Morabito (Betsy). Splendid performances came from Jamey Grisham (Joe) and Calli Ragotzy (as Susan, Juanita's daughter).
Not all the show's elements fit together smoothly, though. In most songs, the orchestra overpowered the singers, making for yelling. Although the sets themselves are fine, too many unneeded shifts detracted from the show's ongoing rhythm. And as good as Naughton's efforts were overall, he could not match the remarkable stage presence of Alex when they shared the stage. "Old Timer: The Musical" may sputter occasionally, but its musical momentum helps carry it through.
C.J. Gianakaris is a freelance writer and theater reviewer.
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