Filled with drama over drugs and politics, the West Coast premiere of the rock musical “The Fix” occurred last weekend at the International City Theatre. This political based rock musical takes a look at a family desperate to get into the White House.
This musical first opened in London in 1997, and has had a long journey since its conception. Like the main character, Calvin Chandler (Adam Simmons), this show has been altered by its creators until its approval for the public eye.
The plot revolves around the Chandler family’s attempts at getting into the White House. After the head of the family, Reed Chandler (William T. Lewis), unexpectedly dies just moments before his victory in the race, his wife Violet Chandler (Alix Korey) pledges to get her son to be President. With the help of his uncle and his campaign manager Grahame Chandler (Sal Mistretta), Cal is prepped for a life in the public eye.
Drama ensues since Cal does not want to go into politics and becomes entangled with drugs, adultery and gangsters. His family members are also riddled with drama like his mother Violet’s adulterous past and his Uncle Grahame’s hidden homosexuality.
The title of this production refers to how each character gets their fix. For example, Cal has substance abuse issues. It can also refer to how, at one point, Grahame and Cal make a deal with a gangster in attempt to fix this upcoming gubernatorial election.
With the election at the end of the year, the themes of this show are extremely relevant. They make the audience think about who they are putting into office.
Cal sings one of his speeches in song called “I See the Future.” Although the song is touching, it shows how politicians can simply say things without thought or knowledge of their words or actions. It truly makes the patrons consider how the political system works, and the pros and cons of the democratic system.
Mostly done in song, this show is fast-paced and entertaining, with a talented ensemble that plays multiple characters throughout the show.
There are a few changes for this production that differ from the original. A major one is that they reduced the cast from 19 to nine. However, the small cast is able to pull off the show with plenty of energy.
Some notable performances come from Korey, whose schemes and secrets make for interesting plot twists. She is hilarious in her obvious hatred toward her adulterous late husband, and is quite the power-player in dealing with Grahame and her son. Her no-nonsense ways of handling the tough issues make for an interesting character.
Other stand-out elements of this production are the lights and set design. The proscenium of the thrust stage is shadowed by silhouettes of people that give the illusion of the Chandler family constantly being in the public eye. There is also a box in the center down stage that hold some separate scene-like flashbacks.
Riddled with drama, comedy and rock music, “The Fix” can be a fix for anyone interested in a new musical. Although around two hours long, this show goes by quickly, watching the rise and fall of the young politician.
For gasps, laughs and drama, “The Fix” runs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 2 p.m until May 20. Tickets are $37 on Thursdays; and $44 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. International City Theatre is located in the Long Beach Performing Arts Center at 300 E. Ocean Blvd. in Long Beach. For more information or to buy tickets, visit ictlongbeach.org.
