Head Over Heels at the Grand Theatre

Last night I went to the musical Head Over Heels at the Grand Theatre.  I didn't know anything about this show beyond the fact that it features the music of the Go-Go's but that was enough to get me there because they were one of my favorite bands when I was a teenager.  I am so glad that I spontaneously decided to get a ticket because I loved it.  The story is an adaptation of The Countess of Pembroke's Arcadia by Sir Philip Sidney and it has a wonderful message about acceptance and living authentically.  Basilius (Zac Freeman) rules the peaceful and prosperous kingdom of Arcadia but he is incredibly rigid and refuses to deviate from long-held traditions to the detriment of his family.  His youngest daughter Philoclea (Elizabeth Petrucka) is in love with her childhood friend Musidorus (Michael Scott Johnson) but he doesn't approve of the match because he is a lowly shepherd.  He also expects his oldest daughter Pamela (Michelle Lynn Thompson) to marry well but she keeps rejecting all of her suitors while her handmaiden Mopsa (Madison Melia) pines away for her.  His wife Gynecia (Melody Baugh) is unhappy with her role but he refuses to give her a voice in ruling the kingdom.  He is summoned by the Oracle Pythio (K.J. Leuthauser) who gives him four prophecies of doom.  In order to save the kingdom, Basilius has the family go on a journey to Bohemia filled with mistaken identity, love triangles, sexual awakening, and self-discovery along the way.  Philoclea is eventually allowed to marry Musidorus, Pamela discovers her love for Mopsa, Basilius and Gynecia rekindle their love for each other, and Basilius gives up the crown in favor of Gynecia which creates a more open society.  Of course I loved all of the songs, especially "Mad About You" when Musidorus proposes to Philoclea, "Good Girl" when Philocea is forced to refuse him, "Our Lips Are Sealed" when both couples get together but decide to keep their love secret, "Head Over Heels" when both Basilius and Gynecia develop feelings for Musidorus who is posing as an Amazon warrior named Cleophila, "Heaven is a Place on Earth" when Basilius and Gynecia have an encounter but both believe that they are with Cleophilia, and "We Got the Beat" when the kingdom is saved.  I was really impressed with all of the performances, especially Petrucka because I loved her voice and Johnson because he is hilarious (especially as an Amazon warrior).  Everyone in the ensemble does an outstanding job with the choreography, particularly when they portray Musidorus' sheep.  The elaborate Elizabethan costumes worn by the main cast and the set featuring thatched cottages, stylized trees, and pastel tents give the production a fairy tale vibe that is very effective.  This show is so much fun (I had a hard time stopping myself from singing and dancing along with the cast) but it is also a wonderful reminder to accept people for who they are.  I highly recommend getting a ticket (go here) to one of the remaining performances through June 18.