Presented by Andy Roninson and Sean McVerry
Review by Hunter King
There is no good way to begin a review for The Real Kyle McCarren other than to offer full encouragement to see it for yourself. Andy Roninson and Sean McVerry have struck gold with their new musical that manages to have moments of hilarity, while also holding a thumb on the pulse of the human experience like no other. The musical is a poignant, beautiful, and deeply important piece of art that will almost certainly find success wherever it goes. It would not be a surprise at all if the name Kyle McCarren became as recognizable, if not more, in the near future as Evan Hansen, and Andy Roninson and Sean McVerry as Lin Manuel Miranda or Stephen Sondheim.
Mixing a fusion of modern rock, jazz, contemporary, and folk music, The Real Kyle McCarren is a triumph musically, but also is able to manage to do something that has been rare for musicals since the passing of Stephen Sondheim, which is to have a poignant and fitting story that is deeply intertwined with the music of the show. The show is an autobiography of Roninson’s life and his relationship with his best friend and bandmate Kyle McCarren, who died in an accident at age 21. McCarren is brought back to life on the stage by McVerry, who embodies the “asshole” that Roninson was friends with in a way that feels natural and real, despite always having a small feeling that it’s not; because it isn’t the real Kyle McCarren, that the show is based off of did actually die, and his memory haunts the show and Roninson in an indescribable but positive and very present way.
The show operates as a gig theatre production, with the staging being simple and the lights used to create moods for different locations that Roninson found himself in in the few days following his friend’s death. Roninson and McVerry are joined by five others: Jamie Mohamdein on bass, Paige Andrews on drums, and three ensemble members that played multiple characters in Kyle and Andy’s lives: Jaygee Macapugay, Vincent Jamal Hooper, and Sarah Coffey.
Notably the show is full of emotion, not only as a sadness for the loss of Kyle, but a celebration of life itself. Leading the charge of positivity is Hooper who presents Kyle to the audience in a very different way than Roninson remembered him in the upbeat and toe-tapping song “What A Legend.” Meanwhile other players have a more nostalgic and thoughtful memory of Kyle, such as Coffey who primarily played Kyle’s ex, Justine. Her song “The Last Snow” is contemplative and leaves the audience emotional as they remember that nothing lasts forever. Perhaps the most vocally impressive of the group is McVerry, who dazzles throughout the show with a mixed belt that could easily rival Aaron Tveit, but brings a boyish charm to the character of Kyle, making him instantly likeable, even if he is “an asshole.”
Roninson is easily the key player of the piece. It is clear that the emotion for him is very real and cathartic. He balances the storytelling of the piece with his vocals, leading with a real humanity. Somewhere between Charlie from The Perks of Being a Wallflower and the titular character of Dear Evan Hansen, Roninson finds himself back in the mindset of himself nearly 20 years ago as a young man who is trying to find his way in the world. The coming of age aspect of the show may be the strongest aspect of the show itself, and one of the best examples of coming of age put to music. Roninson’s portrayal of himself is deeply relatable; his inevitable moment of breaking down and dealing with his emotions cuts deep because it is a feeling that is so worldly and performed in a way that is so deeply real. The audience revels in his joy and feels his pain, but are deeply invested in him through his journey.
This show deserves every bit of praise it is receiving this Fringe. For those looking for a diamond in the rough, or the “next big thing,” look no further. It will only be a matter of time before people are saying “I saw The Real Kyle McCarren at Fringe before it blew up”. With that said, no matter what direction the show ends up going, it is certainly well worth a watch, and perhaps a rewatch or two.
Deserves Every Bit of Praise
The Real Kyle McCarren runs at Venue 33, Forth at Pleasance Courtyard at 13:50
Running time – Seventy-five minutes
Review by Hunter King (contact@corrblimey.uk)
Hunter is a 2024 Master’s graduate of the University of Edinburgh and current doctoral candidate with a thesis focused on experimental theatre in Edinburgh. He has been a theatre practitioner for over a decade having worked in many capacities including as a director, actor, stage manager, front of house manager, and technician as well as others. Prior to moving to Edinburgh, Hunter was a high school English teacher in the United States. His passion for the written word as well as his passion for live performance are what motivated him to become a writer for this publication.
