Review of: 10 Million Miles

One year ago at this time (literally), the Atlantic Theater was presenting the spectacular Spring Awakening. The show eventually moved to Broadway where it claimed eight Tony Awards including Best Musical. Watching 10 Million Miles, one cannot help feeling the producers are hoping for lightning to strike twice. Despite having the same director (Tony winner Michael Mayer), it is unfair to compare the two productions. While the music and lyrics were satisfyingly integrated into Spring Awakening, 10 Million Miles, however pleasurable, has the feel of another 'jukebox musical".

The show is essentially the songbook of two-time Grammy winner and wildly popular country composer Patty Griffin. Where it stumbles is in its book written by talented playwright Keith Bunin. The author has jerry-built a bunch of book scenes to string together Ms. Griffin's songs. Some of them work well and agreeably counterpoint the poignancy of the music. Others clunk along like a flat tire. This causes the show to have a fitful start and stop quality; allowing a certain boredom to creep in. Like Duane's pick-up truck that is central to the story, 10 Million Miles constantly seems to be running out of gas.

Indeed, the story line is your classic road trip with all its' geographical and emotional upheavals. Molly (Irene Molloy) is a recovering alcoholic and pregnant. She has decided to travel from her southern Florida home to her aunt's home in Massachusetts to have the child and put it up for adoption (her family threw her out as a teenager for her wild drug/alcohol fueled adolescence). An ex-boyfriend Duane (Matthew Morrison) is a good ol' Southern boy recently back from military service. He wants to revive his relationship with Molly especially since he is the most likely the father of her baby. He sexily cajoles Molly into accepting his offer to drive her north.

Still, there's a lot to recommend here. First, Derek McLane's clever set consists mainly of the beat up pick-up truck which inventively becomes a number of set pieces (including a roadside diner) along the trip up I-95. The lighting of Jules Fisher and Peggy Eisenhauer is either evocative or unforgiving as needed and Tim Weil's orchestrations lushly complement Griffin's music.

Second, it is the impressive cast that lifts the show above the mundane. Matthew Morrison is a standout as Duane continuing to show his chameleon-like ability in both music and drama. Irene Molloy is equally his match although her acting is a little superior to her singing. More importantly both actors have a great emotional and sexual chemistry; we have no doubt that despite all the accusations, threats and even a breakup, Molly and Duane are meant for each other (their duet "A Couple Fools" is a highpoint). Mere Winningham and Skipp Sudduth (both known for their exemplary TV work) shine in a variety of supporting roles. Their scene as Lois and Guthrie, a couple of soon-to-be-wed (again) loners is a heartrending comic gem. It is the effortless, comfortable work of these four pros that keeps our interest when we are often many miles ahead of 10 Million Miles.

...end