A tale that literally defies gravity—as well as expectations, categorization, and the glorified Broadway success story.
“What is this show?” was the question my brain, staunchly in review-mode, asked as I left the opening performance of Boy Falls From the Sky. Publicized as a solo show, though not as a jukebox musical—almost a concert but with a set and script—non-linear, but with a strong sense of narrative.
Here’s what it is: marvellously-paced, beautifully-sung, and closely intimate despite being staged in the Segal Centre’s largest space, the Sylvan Adams Theatre.
Maybe that intimacy, the feeling that Jake Epstein is speaking directly to you (and the theatre kid in you!), is why I struggle to categorize this piece as a solo show. That, and because the dynamic band made up of Daniel Abrahamson on the keys, Srikanth Narayanan on bass(es), and Christina Beaudry-Cárdenas on drums are just as much part of the performance as Epstein is.
Let’s back up. Boy Falls From the Sky is Jake Epstein’s (writer and performer) account of his theatrical journey from having a handful of lines in a Toronto play as a child to originating a role on the Great White Way as a theatre veteran, with the substantial pit stop of his experience in Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, a show notorious for its performers’ many injuries, including Epstein’s. It doesn’t hold back, detailing the medical issues caused by his stints in professional productions as well as the toll on his mental health from touring and performing. From euphoria to devastation, this show covers every emotion that comes with working in the theatre industry.
It makes sense that this show initially grew from barroom story exchanges between Epstein and his friends, because that’s exactly how he treats his audience. There’s no unnecessary context for the many references, as the audience has the option to read up on these references beforehand in the program. Epstein jumps into songs with no introductions, expecting the spectators to immediately recognize them, which, consistently, they do! There’s a give and take happening here, and from the moment the performers step onstage, the audience understands that. It’s not uncommon to hear someone in the theatre humming along to an unmistakeable Broadway classic, or for the crowd to eagerly echo one of the returning lines. This is why I hesitate to label this a solo show, and why I don’t think it should shy away from calling itself a jukebox musical.
I was reminded of a significant event while pondering this production. Just over one year ago, Sara Porkalob, starring as Declaration of Independence signatory Edward Ruthledge in the Broadway revival of 1776, gave her much-discussed Vulture interview in which they said they didn’t feel artistically fulfilled and openly denounced certain elements of the production and process. After this interview, she was called ungrateful and criticized for speaking out. All this happened following the Mirvish run of Boy Falls From the Sky in the spring of 2022. I’m glad that a show like this one, which offers glimpses of the uglier side of Broadway (poorly given notes leading to bad vocal hygiene, unsafe practices, toxic audition processes) is receiving rave reviews, and I hope that it leads to a renewal of this kind of discussion. A toxic work environment is a toxic work environment, even if it’s the job of your dreams. Epstein’s stories were reminiscent of this interview, and I hope that, perhaps due to the conversations that will continue to emerge thanks to these kinds of narratives, the history books will be kinder to Porkalob, especially as a queer POC performer.
“What is this show?” is perhaps not a relevant question for a piece like Boy Falls From the Sky. Sometimes, your dream job can make you miserable, ruining your body and mental health, and that’s valid. Sometimes, a show defies a straightforward category, and that’s okay. But if you’ve ever identified with the label “theatre kid,” no matter your age or current involvement in the performing arts, Jake Epstein will repave those old paths in your brain as you remember your own slow descent into loving musical theatre in all its messy, magical glory.
Boy Falls From the Sky continues its run at the Segal Centre until December 10th, with tickets ranging from $30 for students and those under 30 to $68 at the regular rate.
Scripteditty 