I give 5 stars to James Mellon for daring to do the impossible: mount a
Broadway-scope musical three years in a row. While it doesn't come up
to the level of The Ghost and Mrs. Muir or Dorian, this is still a fine
production, funny and ultimately very moving. 

Lizard is the tale of a boy who doesn't fit in.  Abandoned as a child and
raised by a woman too busy to truly take care of him and give him the
love he so dearly needs, Lizard joins a touring theater troupe, where he
finds a home and a real family.

James Barbour brings his Broadway leading man voice and charisma to
the role of Lizard's protector/guide.  What a treat to have this star on our
local stages again after his memorable turn as Mrs. Muir's ghost.  New to
the production is Broadway vet Yvette Lawrence as Barbour's wife. 
Though her performance hadn't yet gelled when I saw it last week, Miss
Lawrence is lovely in face, manner and voice as Barbour's wife.  David
Eldon, as the outcast Lizard, is absolutely charming and winning and
touching, though his voice is not quite at the level the role demands.

The supporting cast is great (with Melanie Ewbank and Janet Fontaine
giving their usual superb performances). Amazing what NoHo Arts
Center can do on a large for a 99 seat theater but small for this
magnitude project stage. As always Shon Le Blanc's costumes are
wonderful.

Of course none of this would be possible without James J. Mellon.  Not
only has he directed Lizard with his usual pizazz, but the book is his, as well
as the music and lyrics (cowritten with Scott De Turk).  This is one lizard
you won't have to shy away from.
AUGUST 2006, NOHO ARTS CENTER, NORTH HOLLYWOOD.

--Steven Stanley