Defanged

Like Anne Rice's novels, Lestat employs metaphysical chest-beating at the expense of storytelling

Comments (0) By Chloe Veltman Wednesday, Jan 18 2006

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Paul Kolnik

Nice Outfits: Carolee Carmello (Gabrielle) and Hugh Panaro (Lestat) sing "The Crimson Kiss."

Details

Music by Elton John, lyrics by Bernie Taupin

Through Jan. 29

Tickets are $30-85

551-2000

www.lestat .com

Curran Theatre, 445 Geary (at Mason), S.F.

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One of the criticisms commonly leveled at Rice is that she employs metaphysical chest-beating at the expense of storytelling. In many ways, Lestat suffers from a similar affliction. The mangled plotting, clunky dialogue, and overemotional lyrics do not aid these bland, guy-next-door vampires with their tortured consciences and haute couture. Rather than feeling transformed by the power of the story and the music, I found myself imposing a moral reading on the proceedings -- one that probably wasn't even there. "Lestat could be a metaphor for anyone who lives outside the status quo. Perhaps the musical is Elton John's plea as a gay man for common compassion and understanding," I babbled pretentiously as we headed out of the theater on opening night. My friend Diane looked appalled. "I dunno about that," she said, eventually. "But the costumes were pretty."