Sometimes, people just need to let themselves go wild. With this sentiment, City Theatre premiered Hearts Are Wild, a new rock opera. Directed by City Theatre's Tracy Brigden, the show was based on an original book written by Darrah Cloud and the music and lyrics for the musical adaptation were composed by George Griggs. Originally workshopped at MOMENTUM, City Theatre's annual new works festival, Hearts Are Wild continues the theatre's tradition by having the show's world premiere in the same building.

Hearts Are Wild tells the story of Steve, played by Ben Evans, a forty-year-old everyman with a normal wife, job, and life. When Steve is a baby, an oracle (who is Elvis) predicts that he will grow up to desire excitement in both his work and personal life. His parents, upset with this news, raise Steve to become the average man we see onstage. However, things change when Steve wakes up and literally cannot ignore the music in his head, which comes from a band that is onstage for the entire show. This music drives him to contemplate leaving his wife Sharon, played by Evans' real-life wife Julie Dingman Evans, for his younger, spunkier assistant, Brianna, played by Katie Allen. The result is a great deal of soul-searching for Steve as he struggles to find his wild side and realizes that it has been in his life all along.

Whether or not Steve's goals can actually be considered "wild," the indication is that, compared to the life he currently leads, anything is wild. He desperately wants to follow the music and fulfill his destiny of escaping the blandness of suburban married life, which he plainly describes in the song "Ordinary Life," but his rock 'n' roll dream is less rebellious than it is nostalgic. Elvis may be the antithesis of the status quo in Steve's world, but for the audience, it feels a little tame.

Regardless of whether or not the plot is indeed wild, the actors certainly do a great job of using energy to keep things interesting. As Steve, Ben Evansearnestly overcomes the occasionally cheesy lyrics and allows the natural pacing of Cloud and Griggs' script to push his character forward. His wife, Dingman Evans, gives Sharon the drive and compassion to be supportive in the first act and completely honest in the second. Allen, a Point Park University senior, displays a youthful sass and obsessive behavior that makes Brianna believable, if not a bit off-center.

The highlight of the play comes from actor Billy Hartung, who plays a total of seven different characters, including Steve's Dad, the Elvis Oracle, and a psychic hairdresser. As a rapping skater, he challenges Steve to prove he's worthy of Brianna in the song "I'm a Real Man," the highlight of the first act. He also puts pressure on Steve both as Rob, Steve's former assistant and current boss, and Lonnie, Steve's former work buddy and current coffee shop barista. Energy and humor are the name of the game, and Hartung's got enough of both for the whole show.

Also fabulous is the band, which becomes its own character onstage. Made up of Craig "Izzy" Arlet on guitar, Tom Earley on drums, and Brian Stahurski on bass, the band shows a great deal of wit and attitude, often highlighting or poking fun at Steve and the situations he puts himself in, such as when it ignores Steve's request for music because of his near-infidelity. The band spends the entire show physically elevated and center stage, giving the band enough of a separation from the main action that it doesn't distract while allowing it the importance that it deserves.

If nothing else, the music in the show is fun. Griggs' lyrics are hit or miss, sometimes hilarious and clever, sometimes obvious and poorly worded. Some of the songs, such as "I'm Cool With That," Brianna's declaration that Steve's being married isn't a big deal, and "Sit and Spin," a contemplative song between the three main characters, are catchy enough that people may be humming them during intermission. For the most part, the music fits the retro rock 'n' roll feel of the show; it's never edgy, but it makes your toes tap. 

Michael Olich's set serves the show perfectly, making use of six different areas on a total of three levels, highlighted by Andrew David Ostrowski's lighting design. A coffee shop, a hair salon, an office, two different living rooms, a restaurant, and Steve's bedroom are just some of the scenes created. For a show of this size, a complicated set could hinder the production, but this one works flawlessly.

In a word, Hearts Are Wild is silly and this is its greatest strength. The audience is spared unnecessary melodrama and instead is invited to laugh at the ridiculousness of Steve's predicament. It may take a moment or two to accept the world of the play, but once you're in it, Hearts Are Wild will give you a two-hour escape from the dreariness of ordinary-guy reality.

Students and those 25 and younger can reserve $15 tickets for Hearts Are Wild in advance. Tickets range in price from $15 - $40. Hearts Are Wild will be at the City Theatre until February 19, and there is usually at least one show every Tuesday through Sunday. For more information about City Theatre and Hearts Are Wild, visit the City Theatre website.

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