Angry Young Teen-Age Girl Gang
Reviewed by Milla Goldenberg
Published in the March 13, 2003 issue of NoHo>LA

Billing itself as "a startling musical of juvenile delinquency," this collaboration between Renaissance men Mark W. Knowles (writer/producer/director/choreographer) and David G. Smith (music/lyrics) doesn't disappoint, not even for a second. What's most startling about it is that it's not on Broadway, which is fortunate for Los Angeles residents, who can see this talented bunch of angry girls perform each Thursday, Friday and Saturday night at 8 p.m. at Theatre Unlimited (10943 Camarillo St.).

The story is set in the 1950s and follows Didi (Dana Meller), an otherwise "clean teen" looking to escape a sordid home life, down her path of infamy and eventual redemption. The path leads her to a reform school where she meets other girls gone wild, and they sing Little Orphan Annie-esque tunes like "Cigarette Attitude" and "Reform School Rock." A live four-member band wearing black berets ably backs the cast and blends seamlessly with the performances.

Other standout tunes include "Ballerina With a Blade," sung by the angel-voiced Meller, and "Le Chat Noir," the fat cat anthem performed by Knowles himself, who appears briefly as a beatnik. But the production shines brightest during those songs involving the entire cast, which is a well-directed motley of individuals (none of whom are actual teenage girls).

And if you haven't guessed already, this is a comedy, so be prepared to laugh out loud. Also, be prepared to see many of the female roles played by men, which makes lines like "You're a handsome woman" all the more humorous. Add to the gender bending some drugs, religion, death, lesbianism, feminism, incest and prostitution, and Angry Young Teen-Age Girl Gang is sure to have a little something for everyone.

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