GO-GO SEE THIS SHOW-SHOW

The jukebox musical Head Over Heels is a mash-up of Sir Philip Sidney’s long 1590s poem Arcadia and the songs of the iconic 1980s’ female rock band The Go-Go’s, the all-female American rock band which may be the best women’s group ever assembled. Avenue Q’s Jeff Whitty conceived the show and original book, which James Magruder then adapted. The musical premiered at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in 2015 and opened on Broadway in 2018. It’s now playing at the Coronado Playhouse, where a good time should be had by all.

For about 120 minutes plus a 15-minute break, a large, young, and ostentatiously talented collection of singers, dancers, and musicians provide a virtually nonstop display of sizzling rock music and hoofing. The hits keep coming, like the iconic “We  Got the Beat,” “Our Lips Are Sealed,” “Vacation,” “Mad About You,” and “Beautiful.”

Set in the utopian kingdom of Arcadia, the story follows King Basilius (Ode Taylor), his queen Gynecia (Amy Oliverio), and their two daughters, Pamela (Kay McNellen), a beautiful though insecure princess, and Philoclea (Laney Norberg), who loves the humble shepherd Musidorus (Lucas Grana). Their kingdom is peaceful and prosperous under the protection of a force called the Beat. But then its security is threatened by four ancient prophecies that the royal court must unravel. Secrets are revealed, identities are challenged, and ultimately, love triumphs in its many permutations.

The cast keeps the pot boiling with its super abundance of joyous music flowing throughout the intimate stage. The energetic performers never flag, with full-throttle vocals for virtually the entire production, and a precise and exuberant dancing chorus. The obvious pleasure in their performing skills continuously washed over a clearly appreciative sold-out audience.

In addition to the actors named above, everyone in the cast deserves 4 stars: Hayden St. Clair, Samuel Young, Hunter Brown, Jessica Lewis, Cheyenne Parker, Iker Leal, Jackson Taitano, Nikki Lyn Maas, and Maileigh Nelson. There is no casting director listed in the playbill, but whoever gathered this collection of winners deserves our appreciation. The production aims to entertain, but it can also stimulate discussions about social and sexual acceptance.

The musicians are placed at the rear of the stage, ready for all tempos and cues. Like every other performer, they were gold: music director Nina Gilbert, guitarists Julian Straus and Martha Schattman, Reyna Holt, and bass player Steve Jilka. The designers are top of the line, headed by Teresa Craven, who delivers a huge wardrobe of apparel, topped by a closet full of sumptuous, colorful Elizabethan gowns. Sarah Floersheimer designed the props, Joshua Olmstread the lighting, Jared Jacobs the scenery, and Robin Wheeler the sound.

And finally, a salute to director and choreographer Michael Mizerany. His twin contributions to the success of the production are positively heroic!

photos by Ken Jacques

Head Over Heels
Coronado Playhouse, 1835 Strand Way
Thurs & Fri at 8; Sat at 2 & 8; Sun at 2
ends on August 31, 2025
for tickets, call 619.435.4856 or visit Coronado Playhouse