DEPLOYED - NY Musical Festival @ Pershing Sq.

The NY Musical Festival is the largest annual venue for new musicals in the U.S.  The Festival gives voice to new artists & playwrights.  There are 5 premier productions in the festival at intimate Off-B'wy theaters on 42nd/10th.  The tickets are $25 and are available prior to showtime.  DEPLOYED, is a contemporary Iraq war story/love story/tragedy/comedy set to music performed by an impressive group of young actors.  The book/music/lyrics are by Jessy Brouillard who has written 3 previous screenplays.  Brouillard's compositions were exceptionally well conceived with lyrics that moved the storyline admirably.  The story centers on Corporal Emily & Sgt. Anthony, both Amer. soldiers in Iraq & star crossed lovers.  Emily (Janice Landry) had a beautiful singing voice and flair for dramatics.  I expect to see her on B'wy in the near future.  Sgt. Anthony (Bryant Martin)  looks like a taller, Tom Cruise with acting chops to go with his good looks.  Perhaps, like Cruise, he should stick to drama & forgo singing.  Both Landry & Martin create strong chemistry.  Martin emitted real pathos for war trauma.  Laila (Nina Negron) serve as Emily's interpreter & nemesis, unfortunately her acting was not convincing & her accent came & went.  Her singing voice, however, was quite lovely.  The veteran in the cast & standout performer was by Natalie Toro (Les Miserables.)  Toro plays Sgt. Brook, with wit and poignancy.  The entire handsome cast did an excellent job on a small stage.  The video screen & staging was well conceived. The play itself was predictable & maudlin.  Nonetheless, the fine ensemble elevated the material & Brouillard's music was exceptional.  The Festival is continuing through the 27th and I suggest enlisting to support new artists and for enjoyable, bargain priced theater.