‘Backstreet’ Doesn’t Strike a Chord

Musicals should leave patrons humming some lovely or haunting melody, even if the subject matter isn’t particularly cheery. The Actors’ Repertory Theatre’s new musical “Backstreet,” at the Santa Monica Playhouse, is buoyed by the enthusiastic cast but ultimately leaves one unsatisfied with its nondescript tunes and disjointed plotting.

Chris DeCarlo, Evelyn Rudie and Matt Wrather’s script, adapted from a Sholem Asch story, is about happy whores in a New York City Jewish ghetto bordello, circa 1905. Dressed in white lace and bright ribbons in the opening act (costume design by Ashley Hayes and Cheryl Jennings), they seem more like June brides than destitute working girls. The eldest working girl, Hindl (Evelyn Rudie), suddenly wants to leave the establishment for her own house in order to provide a decent atmosphere for her orphaned nephew Eli (Matt Wrather). Eli falls in love with Uncle’s daughter Rivkele (Morgan Kibby) who is destined to marry into a decent man’s family.

Rudie and Wrather, who wrote the music and lyrics, stuff this musical with too many songs, often falling back on pattering singing-talk to move the story forward. The words are not always intelligible and the sound system at times overwhelms the singers, who are not always on key.

Under DeCarlo’s direction, the bright tone of the piece never foreshadows the dark ending, and the staging is not always effective.

This is a trite sliver of entertainment that neither brightens nor dims the musical genre.

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* “Backstreet,” Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. Fridays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 6:30 and 9:30 p.m.; Sundays, 6:30. Ends April 26. $16-20. (310) 394-9779, Ext. 1. Running time: 2 hours, 35 minutes.