"Grand Theft Auto" An Overly Ambitious Adaption of Platinum Taps that Putters Out

Theater for the New City's presentation of "Grand Theft Musical" was a broad, bawdy musical that offered a lot of bang for the buck although less would have been more in this pastiche of "Guys & Dolls" and "The Producers."  However, there were too many ingredients in this flambe that prevented it from rising above the fray.  That's not to say the audience didn't seem to enjoy this raucous romp with original music by John Taylor Thomas and plenty of tap and dance choreography.  The 2 act musical featured 12 numbers in both acts with a score of actors; many playing multiple roles.  A solo pianist accompanied the singers/dancers and provided a transitional key for several scenarios.  Standout numbers were a duet "The Loverlys Declare Their Love" which was charming and "Born to Dance" which featured hoofer Gino Raftino.  There were talented performers to be found in this overly ambitious staging were Bevin Bell Hall with a lovely singing voice and Taylor Brandon with comedic timing.  Both pumped some air into this laden production.   The plot intertwined love triangles, goofy gangsters, self-absorbed entertainers and the fraudulent staging of a show to raise dough.  It beats me to all heck, but the full house enjoyed the show more than a bushel and a peck.