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The Big Voice
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Brochu, Schalchlin
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By Rob Stevens
The real partners-in-life team of Steve Schalchlin and Jim Brochu created the multi-award winning musical The Last Session a few years back. It was a somewhat autobiographical look at composer Schalchlin’s creative life and the impact of his HIV status on it. Now the team is back with an even more autobiographical theater piece, The Big Voice/God or Merman which deals with their lives before and since their auspicious meeting.
Brochu is a Catholic from New York, one who was encouraged to enter the priesthood and dreamed of being the first pope from Brooklyn. But he never felt he had "the calling." When an LP of Pope Pius XII’s favorite hits didn’t work for him, he put on an album he bought without knowing what it contained. It turned out to be Ethel Merman’s Annie Get Your Gun and Brochu quickly changed his place of worship from church to theater. The real Merman came into his life at various times and further propelled him into a show biz career.
Schalchlin is the son of a Baptist minister who played the organ for the congregation. Eventually the two ended up on a cruise ship and in the middle of the ocean, found each other and love.
The Big Voice is a simple tale told simply by the two who lived it. They easily play themselves and play well off each other. There is much humor, especially regarding Brochu and the Catholic Church. The duo also delves into Schalchlin’s illness and the toll it took on their relationship. It’s a very honest and moving portrait of the difficulties in maintaining any relationship.
The musical score is pleasant if forgettable. It moves the action along as does Anthony Barnao’s steady pacing. There are no frills in the current production--a table, a keyboard, a couple of chairs. There is one hilarious costume change by Brochu.
"The Big Voice/God or Merman?" produced by Blue Sphere Alliance in association with AppleArts Productions and BonusRound Productions at the Zephyr Theatre, 7456 Melrose Ave. in West Hollywood. 323-852-9111. $20. Sat, 8; Sun, 7. Ends Dec. 15
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