Picture it: Two men, caught in a passionate moment, are photographed for blackmail while singing Marcy Playground’s “Sex and Candy.” As the tension rises, the scene transforms into a dramatic breakup set to NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye,” with choreography inspired by the opening sequence of Deadpool and Wolverine.
If this combination of raunchy drama and pop-culture nostalgia sounds appealing, then Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical is the perfect show for you. Shifted Lens Theatre Company’s production is an irreverent, outrageous satire skewering the rich urban youth culture of the pre-Y2K era.
Based on the 1999 film Cruel Intentions, the musical follows the twisted games of wealthy step siblings Sebastian Valmont (Jack Icke) and Kathryn Merteuil (Sabrina Patten) as they manipulate their way through New York’s elite private school scene. Their primary targets are the virtuous Annette Hargrove (Erica Caruso) and the naive Cecile Caldwell (Helen Campbell), setting the stage for a tangled web of deceit and betrayal.
With a score of ’90s pop hits, this musical marks the debut of Shifted Lens, a new immersive theater troupe based in Aurora, and is directed by the company’s founder, Lexie Lazea. The People’s Building, a versatile and intimate space, enables the company to experiment with audience engagement and spatial dynamics.
Opening night was sold out, filling the venue with an energetic crowd eager to experience the show’s immersive elements. Upon arrival, theatergoers were met with decadent chandeliers hanging above minimalist yet opulent furniture and projection screens showing vintage music videos.
The interactive set invited audience members to pick up telephones scattered throughout the space to hear pre-recorded messages from the characters. Notably, the crowd included a significant number of younger people — a refreshing change from the usual demographic of Colorado’s theater scene.
Bold entrance
Helen Campbell’s performance as the innocent, wide-eyed Cecile is one of the show’s highlights. Her rendition of Boyz II Men’s “I’ll Make Love to You” is a standout, transforming what could have been a cringeworthy moment into a comedic gem. Campbell has a gift for stealing scenes with her over-the-top naivety while also elevating the performances of her scene partners.
Jack Icke and Sabrina Patten give solid performances as the scheming step siblings, though their portrayals lack the intensity that would elevate their characters from villainous to truly menacing. Icke’s Sebastian has the suave-yet-sleazy charm of an early Neil Patrick Harris performance, and Patten’s Kathryn exudes big Morticia Addams energy with her poised goth sensibility. However, Patten’s minor but noticeable habit of breaking the fourth wall and observing the audience’s reactions detracted from the tension at key moments.
Erica Caruso, who plays the Reese Witherspoon-inspired Annette, balances her character’s simple nature with an underlying strength that elevates her beyond a pawn in the step siblings’ game. Caruso’s vocal performance, particularly in the ballads, adds emotional depth to the show, making Annette a character you can root for amid the chaos.
Suzanne Connors-Nepi delivers an admirable performance as Bunny Caldwell, Cecile’s overprotective and racially insensitive mother. Connors-Nepi’s comedic timing is spot on, and she adds sophistication to what could have been a one-dimensional character. Her scenes with Jamien Geovante Walker, who plays Cecile’s cello teacher Ronald, are particularly memorable; his grounded dignity makes his character feel authentic.
Chris Temple and Neil Isales Jr. deserve praise for their performances as gay couple Blaine Tuttle and Greg McConnell. Their chemistry is undeniable, and they deliver some of the show’s most amusing and poignant moments.
The five ensemble members known as the Manchester Prep Dancers are well integrated into group scenes, elevating key moments and selling tricky dance numbers. Choreographer Erin Carrino’s stylized work captures the essence of ’90s music videos with dynamic and fluid movements that keep the energy high. Whether supporting the main action or creating background tableaux, the ensemble’s expressiveness makes them an integral part of the story.
Room for improvement
A few technical issues detracted from the overall experience on opening night. While the lighting design is visually appealing with its use of blues, oranges, purples and pinks, it frequently casts shadows on the actors, which is exacerbated by scenes where the lights shine directly into the audience’s eyes.
The sound design was also inconsistent, with microphone packs not always turning on and occasional static disrupting the flow. The live four-piece band occasionally overpowered the singers, particularly during more intimate numbers.
Despite being marketed as an immersive company, these features fell short of expectations. The interactive set and the distribution of Sebastian’s journal pages to the audience are nice touches, but they don’t completely bridge the gap between audience and performance, as one would expect from an “immersive” production.
Overall, Shifted Lens’ throwback musical is a strong debut showcasing the troupe’s potential. While some aspects need refinement, particularly on the technical front, the production succeeds in delivering a fun, sexy throwback to the original film.
If you’re in the mood for an angsty romp through the ’90s with a healthy dose of dark humor, Cruel Intentions is well worth the trip to Aurora. Just be prepared to embrace the decade’s unfiltered attitude and enjoy the ride.
ON STAGE: Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical. Aug. 16 through Sept. 1, The People’s Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora. $28-$38