Theater Review: Head Over Heels

              Cast of Diversionary Theatre's "Head Over Heels"

What can one say about this crazy, noisy, insanely musical show that starts like a regular musical and quickly mutates into the kind of thing one can only watch and wonder at?

What am I talking about? It’s Diversionary’s latest effort, “Head Over Heels,” by Jeff Whitty (of “Avenue Q” fame), adapted from a plot written by Sir Philip Sidney in the 16th century. “Head Over Heels” opened on Broadway in 2018.

The first song tells you what you need to know: “We Got the Beat,” and just the title tells you what it is: a jukebox musical.

It seems that Basilius (Scott Ripley), king of Arcadia, has a wife named Gynecia (Amanda Naughton) and two daughters, the elder Pamela (Gerilyn Brault) and the younger Philoclea (Adelaida Martinez). The girls, of course, are waiting for Mr. Right to come along. As it happens, along comes a local shepherd named Musidorus (Joey Kirkpatrick), who immediately falls for Philoclea. But of course dad Basilius doesn’t think he’s rich enough for his younger daughter.

Meanwhile, the kingdom’s new Oracle Pythio (Faith Carrion), has made some interesting prophecies. Listen for them; they’re important.

Two other characters matter as well: Bacilius’ viceroy Dametas (Berto Fernández) and Pamela’s handmaid Mopsa (Lauren King Thompson), a cute blonde who is also looking for a likely husband.

These characters lend themselves to comedy and other hijinks, and that’s what the plot is all about. Characters change names, and both sometimes pretend to change genders, lovers and genders OF lovers. 

Bravo to the tech folks and designers, especially costume designer Elisa Benzoni scenic designer Justin Humphries and choreographer Katie Banville (assisted by Alyssa “Ajay” Junious), who make the show look great. And to the lighting by Joel Britt, sound by Harper Justus and Peter Herman’s predictably wonderful wigs.

Music director Patrick Marion marshals his four onstage musicians brilliantly as well.

And of course, a special bravo to Matt Morrow, who has picked a spectacular, goofy and hilarious way to say goodbye to San Diego theater lovers.(And if you want to try to keep up with it, read Wikipedia’s plot synopsis first.)

Don’t miss this show.

The details

"Head Over Heels" plays through June 18, 2023 at Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd. in University Heights.

Shows: Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m.

For tickets: (619) 220-0097 or boxoffice@diversionary.org