Clever Staging Helps to Offset Humdrum Music

Trying to make sense of the plot holding together the 15 songs in “ReSound” is like trying to see the big bear in the constellation.

“ReSound,” an a cappella musical getting its West Coast premiere at the Jewel Box Theatre in Toluca Lake, is loosely about Emma, a research scientist struggling to invent silent Velcro. Using a high school science class as an odd framing device, the story pinballs back and forth between Emma’s childhood, her year-old relationship and her pressing deadline at work.

Granted, such shows generally are not lauded for their complex story-telling. Often--”Forever Plaid” comes to mind--they are vehicles for spine-tingling harmonies, but in this case the singing is fine, but not stellar. After a rough patch in the opening number, “Echo/Re-Echo,” the ensemble kept its pitches steady. There is little variety in the music by composer-lyricist-playwright Valerie Dunlap, however. She never breaks out a four-or-five person group from the 12-person ensemble, so the show becomes aurally monotonous.

There are, however, sections of extremely clever staging by director/choreographer Ellen Rooney. “Driving Smarts” uses office chairs for cars, creating an on-stage traffic jam. In “Cookin’ ” the ensemble embodies the kitchen cupboards and appliances to amusing effect. And “Practice” builds nicely into one of the few songs that has something to do with the characters.

As Emma, Dana Farner is quaint, but the role is terribly passive. For most of the play, she is an observer nearly as much as the audience, so her revelations in the final scenes feel more like an obligation than an evolution. Her beau, Brian, is problematic as well. Kevin Cornelius may have the voice for the part, but he conveys such a sense of pathetic supplication that it’s hard to figure out why she’s involved with him at all.

Jim Blanchette adds some hilarious sounds effects to the play, a touch that others could have used to add aural texture. Debbi Dachinger is the obvious standout among the women, while Wil Bowers and Reed Grudin project enviable energy and humor among the men.

BE THERE

“ReSound” at the Jewel Box Theatre, 10426 Magnolia Blvd., Toluca Lake. Thurdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m. Ends Aug. 8. $10. (818) 760-4585.