Theater Review: The Lonely Few

Have you ever been to a play that was also a rock concert?

lonely fewnow playing at the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater at the Geffen Playhouse, it feels like you’ve stepped into a southern music club filled with small-town characters with big-city dreams.

Tony winner Lauren Patten plays lead character Lila, a talented singer, songwriter and guitarist from small-town Kentucky. She is a complex character who works at a discount grocery store with her friend Dylan (Damon Downno), who is afraid of becoming a father for the first time. There, she dreams of a career in music, missing her mother’s presence and caring for her wayward brother Adam (Joshua Close), who is known for throwing away “too much” while suffering the consequences of losing his mother.

Leela and Dylan are both members lonely few, a band that includes Dylan on bass, keyboardist JJ (Helen J. Shen), and drummer/bar owner Paul (Thomas Silcott). Leela is a soloist.

Leela also struggles with her sexuality and dreams of getting out of Kentucky, feeling “stuck” in having to take care of her brother.

By chance, Paul’s ex-stepdaughter Amy (Ciara Renee) comes to town and, after hearing the band and Lyla’s mesmerizing voice, quickly offers the band the chance to tour with her for the last three weeks, ending in Nashville.

Once on tour, Leela and Amy experience an undeniable magnetic attraction. Amy continues to struggle with playing second fiddle to men and overcoming her sexuality issues as she is not always warmly received in some places.

The song selection is amazing and Leela and Amy’s voices blend perfectly together. I love that the show was not like a play and included an audience, and too many times I was tempted to visit a bar without knowing it was part of the stage.

The actor’s use of the entire hall attracted the audience as if we were attending a refreshing concert.

I tapped my toes throughout the performance and my eyes glazed over as Leela and Amy found their way to each other. It was a very touching story that everyone is highly recommended to watch.

lonely fewhas been extended until 30 April. April 26 was declared Queer Celebration Night. The show runs Tuesday through Sunday at the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater at the Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave. in Westwood. Tickets cost between $49 and $149 and can be purchased here. Expedited tickets for each day of performance are available to the general public one hour prior to performance at the box office for $35.

Duration: 2 hours 20 minutes (with one intermission) so be sure to visit the bar located inside the lobby!

Emily St. John is a freelance journalist for 2UrbanGirls.com and a feature writer for the Los Angeles Wave.