As a swift and tasty sampler of the inimitable style of current Broadway master Lin-Manuel Miranda, the pocket-sized musical blends familiar musical theatre tropes with “hard hitting” American current affairs to hurtle through an easily digestible scenario that is surprisingly affecting.
At the heart of the musical’s success is a totally relatable lead performance from Jake Fehily as impressionable “chump” Justin Leboy, a lovable schlub who follows his heart not his head.
Based on an episode of short-lived, cult-favourite US television series This American Life, the musical was written for the June 2014 This American Life live show at Brooklyn Academy of Music. Audience familiarity with hit 1980s television series, 21 Jump Street (and subsequent movies) greatly aids the instant understanding of the story. Miranda pulls a swift one, however, by focusing on a harmless kid, conflicting our sympathies between the consequences of drugs and the injustice of an innocent victim. It’s a neat accomplishment, especially with the few words available to tell the tale.
Compounding the dilemma is the supreme likability of the young policewoman, Naomi, played by versatile young talent Olivia Charalambous. The sting unfolds without a villain, all in the name of the prevailing power of the war on drugs. Charalambous is perfectly cast, flipping easily between baby-faced faux high schooler and serious cop.