Already Perfect at King’s Head Theatre Review
Written by Sarah for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Already Perfect is a new musical that offers West End quality at Fringe prices. Written, composed and performed by Levi Kreis, this is his "coming home” story; a confessional, a catharsis, a resolution with a past that had been to the darkest of places. It’s about owning your story, making peace with it, and ultimately, with oneself.
The play opens in our protagonist’s Broadway dressing room after he has given a terrible performance. He is a recovering meth addict, milliseconds away from relapse, saved only by the arrival of his friend and 12-step sponsor, Ben. The story time travels through Levi's past; conversion therapy, abusive relationships, prostitution, and addiction. *Trigger warning* Depending on your perspective. If you’ve led a sheltered life, welcome to the real world.
Soon into the story, the fourth wall is smashed through in an especially delightful moment of theatrical magic, where the actors suddenly realise they are being watched and acknowledge the audience. This troupe is one of the things that sets this show apart, and tickles that theatrical sweet spot. Characters comment on the bizarre happenings where walls move, props magically fall from the sky, and people suddenly realise they can play the piano. It’s cheeky and self-effacing, and the audience is here for it.
The writing is witty, sharp, and honest, but the through-line is somewhat murky and convoluted. Real life doesn’t fit into a neatly crafted structure and or easily contained on a page, which is where a stronger dramatological hand would benefit. There is a tender balance to be had in a ‘lived experience’ piece: one wonders how much is personal catharsis and how much is for the audience: perhaps it can be both.
Levi Kreis is a Tony Award-winning actor, musician and writer whose magnetism lights up the stage from the off. His fire and drive sear through every note of every number. An energy that is recognisable for those who have lived life at high octane. Yiftach ‘Iffy’ Mizrahi as Levi’s sponsor Ben, and Killian Thomas Lefevre as Matthew (Levi's younger self) also give exceptional performances with triple-threat energy.
The content is by no means perfect, ironically. It dances with self-indulgence and would be strengthened by some cuts. The blurb describes the songs as “gospel tambourine to tender ballad”, but there are a few too many numbers that lack variation. Although they are individually brilliantly performed, there is an overall impression of earnestness that simply serve as an outlet for emotion. However, this production is blessed with a dream team: direction, choreography, all the design elements, and a live band, along with flawless performances that rewrite the reputation of fringe theatre.
Already Perfect is defiant; it sticks two fingers up to the demons that drag you down with Kinstugi for the soul.
Plays at King’s Head Theatre until 15 February
★★★
