Susan Granger’s review of “Felix Starro” (Theatre Row – Off-Broadway)
This new musical by novelist/playwright Jessica Hagedorn and composer Fabian Obispo marks the first-time-ever that a musical created by Filipino Americans has been presented Off-Broadway and its subject – psychic surgery – is one that’s intrigued me for years.
Based in the Philippines during the Marcos regime, Felix (Alan Ariano) is a famous faith healer whose clients once included politicians and celebrities. But now times are tough. So in 1985, Felix decides to travel to San Francisco for one last healing mission with ailing Filipinos in the Bay Area.
For those who aren’t familiar with the term “psychic surgery,” it’s a pseudoscientific deception in which the practitioner supposedly performs surgery with his bare hands. The fraudulent illusion often involves fake blood and chicken guts which are used to convince the patient that diseased lesions have been excised, leaving no scar.
Travelling with him from Baguio City as his assistant/protégé is Felix’s 19 year-old, orphaned grandson, Junior (Nacho Tambunting), who helps the huckster settle into a seedy hotel room to consult with vulnerable patients for “$200 cash only.” Like Mrs. Delgado (Francisca Munoz), accompanied by her skeptical lawyer son (Ryan James Ortega). But Junior has plans of his own.
Directed by Ma-Yi’s Producing Artistic Director Ralph B. Pena and choreographed by Brandon Bieber (FX’s acclaimed “Fosse/Verdon”), it’s based on a short story from a 2012 collection called “Monstress” by Lysley Tenorio and explores issues of faith, family, love, loss, betrayal and what it means to be an undocumented immigrant in America.
Unfortunately, the music and lyrics are quickly forgettable. Since the concept is so intriguing, perhaps it might have worked more effectively as a straight play.
FYI: In 1984, entertainer Andy Kaufman was diagnosed with a rare lung cancer (large cell carcinoma). He went to the Philippines for a six-week course of psychic surgery with Jun Labo and believed he was cured but died soon afterwards. Then in 2005, Alex Orbito, a psychic surgeon, gained recognition via Shirley MacLaine. In 2005, Orbito was arrested by Canadian authorities for fraud but, a year later, the charges were dropped since it seemed unlikely that Orbito would be convicted.
Extended through Sept. 21, “Felix Starro” runs 1 hour, 45 minutes with no intermission.