My Heart Says Go
Music and Lyrics by Jorge Rivera-Herrans
Additional Arrangements by Geoffrey Ko
Book by Matthew Hawkins
Directed by Brittanie Gunn
Choreographed by Maggie Nold
Tesseract Theatre Company
July 13, 2024
Kevin Corpuz and Cast
Photo by Florence Flick
Tesseract Theatre Company
The Tesseract Theater Company is launching their New Musical Summer Fest this year, with two musicals opening on successive weekends. The first entry is the earnestly engaging My Heart Says Go, which features a theme that can be seen as overused, although the characters are memorable, the score is catchy, and the cast is excellent. It’s got a lot in the way of entertainment value, although there are a few plot issues that need some work.
From the show’s title, you’ll essentially know the theme. This is one of those “follow your heart/find your dream” stories that are so plentiful these days. Because this general idea is so popular, a lot of these stories can seem to blur together after a while, so it’s something of a challenge to make them stand out from the others. This show has a tuneful score, memorable characters, and a quirky, knowing sense of humor that lends much interest to it’s story. The plot follows Indigo (Kevin Corpuz)– a young math/science whiz who quits medical school to pursue the dream of becoming a musician. He’s even developed an algorithm to write the “perfect pop song”, so he packs up his guitar and takes the train to Los Angeles, leaving behind his skeptical, hardworking dad (Kelvin Urday), who has had high hopes for Indigo’s success in the medical field. On the way, Indigo meets would-be fashion designer Clara (Sarah Wilkinson), who is also headed to LA and has an even more complicated relationship with her mother (Loren Goudreau). A sympathetic train conductor (Victoria Pines) encourages Indigo and Clara to make the most of their lives.
Upon arriving in LA, Indigo and Clara end up sharing an apartment, managed by geeky wannabe social media influencer Timmy (Clayton Humburg), who gives them a deal against the wishes of his mom, who owns the building. As Clara barters for groceries and Indigo looks for a job to make ends meet, they also meet Rob (Kevin Hester), a struggling musician who apparently used to be more successful, and who has connections at a recording studio. Soon, as Indigo’s dad tries to convince him to give med school another try, Indigo finds out about a TV talent competition and enters. Will this be the big break Indigo has been looking for? Or is there more drama ahead?
There are some plot issues with this show, in that it tends to be predictable, and some subplots–such as those involving Rob, as well as Clara’s mom–aren’t given enough time or suitable conclusion. And Clara’s story isn’t as fleshed-out as it could be, either. Still, even with its drawbacks, this is an engaging show, with humor and a promising score, and especially memorable characters played well by the well-chosen cast. Corpuz is highly likable as the talented but conflicted Indigo, with a great voice and convincing stage presence. Wilkinson is also strong as the quirky Clara, and Humburg steals every scene he’s in as the charmingly nerdy Timmy. There are also standout turns from Urday as Indigo’s loving but concerned father and Pines, in great voice as the wise train conductor. There’s also a fine ensemble in support, including Grace Langford, Laura Schultz, Milo Garlich, David Gregory, and Khristian Duncan.
Visually, the show has a simple but eye-catching look, with Brittanie Gunn’s versatile set highlighted by a neon backdrop aiding the storytelling especially well. There are also well-suited costumes by Abby Pastorello, striking atmospheric lighting by Matt Stuckel, strong music direction by Larry Pry, and energetic choreography by Maggie Nold, working together with the staging to create a sense of motion and moving forward that lends urgency and vibrancy as the plot unfolds.
Overall, although it could use some revision, this is an engaging, entertaining new musical. As staged by Tesseract, My Heart Says Go features an enthusiastic cast, strong vocals, and a cohesive visual style. It’s a highly promising new work.
Kevin Corpuz, Clayton Humburg, Sarah Wilkinson
Photo by Florence Flick
Tesseract Theatre Company
Tesseract Theatre Company is presenting My Heart Says Go as part of the New Musical Summer Fest 2024 at the Marcelle Theatre until July 24, 2024