By Bart Greenberg***A new show trying out at The Laurie Beechman Theatre every Monday night in November, Has Anyone Seen My Mind?, is a kaleidoscope of the writings of Bill Russell, featuring four delightful 
Broadway performers (all were in the recent revival of Russell’s best known work, Sideshow), delivering his lyrics and his “musings.” These pieces of light poetry and prose about the state of the world today, range from politics to technology to romance, both straight and gay.
Under the inventive direction of Justin Ross Cohen, the cast works from music stands and stools, negotiating the narrow playing space they share with an excellent quartet of musicians led by music director Mark Hartman, varying the stage picture to keep things interesting. The constant shift of solos, duets, trios and quartets utilizing pretty much every combination of the four performers equally serves this variety. It does have some “second act troubles” as the material turns darker a
nd talkier, but there is a great deal to enjoy during the evening.
The excellent quartet of performers included: Taylor Iman Jones, gifted with a soaring and powerful voice; Kevin Moon Loh, who handled much of the comedy with flair; Ryan Silverman, the epitome of a Broadway leading man; and perhaps best known, Erin Davie, a fine singer and actress. The material of the evening gave each chances to shine in both songs and spoken word, but they also functioned as an excellent team in populating the world Russell created.
Some of the highlights of the evening include a surprising reaction to marriage equality, “I Don’t Wanna Get Married,” delivered with cool i
ntelligence by Iman Jones, and a slightly cynical question á la Elvis: “Why Should I Get Up Today?”, swung out by Silverman. Although the show was presented with no break, there was a real sense of first act finale about the quartet’s “Someone Beside You.”
The second half was kicked off with the comic highlight of the evening, Moon Loh’s rave up entitled “I’d Rather Be A Fairy (Than a Troll).” The joy of this moment is unfortunately lost in a long stretch of downbeat political commentary with music to break the monotony. It is resolved in a fine torch song, delivered with appropriate sultriness by Davie, “You Never Know.” Things are raised even higher with the finale, a gorgeous a capella quartet delivery of “One Small Voice.”
The problems in Has Anyone Seen My Mind? are easily fixable with some adjustment or addition of material. Over all, the show is an evening of intriguing ideas and musical pleasure, as well as a great vehicle for the fine performers. Bill Russell is certainly a creative force worth exploring.
For another chance to see the show on November 24 at 7:00 pm, click here.
