‘Breakup Notebook’ musical no sob story

INSIGHTFUL zeal carries “The Breakup Notebook: The Lesbian Musical” at the Hudson Backstage. Librettist Patricia Cotter and songwriter Lori Scarlett are onto something fresh in this high-spirited, pop-tuneful study of Sapphic realignment.

Cotter’s narrative follows Helen Hill (the wonderful Heidi Godt), who ponders the fallout in “Another Breakup Song”: “She’s moving on / and I’m still sleeping in this dress she wore.”

Lilith Fair sentiment becomes Broadway pizazz as “The Ghost of My Ex-Girlfriend” introduces Helen’s friends -- longtime pair Monica and Joanie (well-matched Melody Butiu and Jacqueline Maloney) and camp-happy Bob (priceless Patrick Bristow) -- from under Helen’s bed, the all-female ensemble from everywhere else.

So goes the obstacle course of “Breakup Notebook,” which pits Monica and Joanie’s commitment ceremony angst against Helen’s shaky passage. This includes misfired dates with Sheila and Casey (both played by the hilarious Christine Lakin), a fling with transitional Frances (rich-voiced Whitney Allen) and, finally, self-realization.

Cotter can keep cutting sitcom jokes, the accomplished score needs fewer same-sounding song buttons, and Helen’s climactic “Do It All Again” anthem deserves a surer catalyst than yet another breakup. Better a reappearance by Mom (Deb Snyder), whose seriocomic scene late in Act 1 grounds Helen’s adolescent-memories monologue and soaring “I Know How” (co-composed by ace musical director David Manning).

Director Sue Hamilton and choreographer Gail Conrad deftly balance mainstream fun and demographic feeling, especially the girl-bar send-ups and “Polynesian Dance” showstopper.

The spare designs are fine, notably Cynthia Herteg’s knowing costumes, and only a terminally closed mind could resist the festive cast, with Godt’s full-hearted heroine leading a delightful roster.

Although second-act tinkering should continue, “Breakup Notebook” seems a ready-made breakout hit. It’s already a purple circuit landmark.

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‘The Breakup Notebook: The Lesbian Musical’

Where: Hudson Backstage Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood

When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays. Dark Dec. 23 through 25

Ends: Jan. 15

Price: $28 to $32

Contact: (323) 960-5563

Running time: 2 hours,

5 minutes