'bare' Explores Teen Conflict, Sexuality, Religion

*Editor's note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly identified the person who worked with singers in the musical. Sarah Wilson worked in that role. This article has been updated to reflect her name.

bare, a musical now showing at in St. Louis, portrays a group of seniors at a Catholic high school as they explore and experience sexuality, religion, jealousy and guilt.

Catholicism is just the framework on which the plot hangs, but in the musical by Damon Intrabartolo and John Hartmere Jr., the real story is the issues and conflicts the students face. They are things we can remember from our own youth, or even things that we experience as adults.

The cast of New Line Theatre's production of bare is strong in terms of both acting and vocals.

At the forefront of the story are Peter (Mike Dowdy) and Jason (Jacob Golliher), who must deal with their sexual attraction and the way their parents and fellow students will view them. Peter, whose character is strongly acted and has a superb singing voice, wants to come out of the closet. Jason, who is handsome and sought-after by girls, wants to hang a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door. Equally good is Terrie Carolan as Ivy, the loose girl who falls for the closeted Jason.

Charlotte Byrd portrays Nadia, the overweight girl whose bitchiness is the manifestation of her inner turmoil. It is a brilliant and effective performance. When she sings “Plain Jane Fat Ass” and “A Quiet Night at Home,” we can really feel and identify with her inner pain.

Nikki Glenn shines as Sister Charlotte, the outrageous nun with all the snappy lines. Her rousing “God Don't Make No Trash” was a showstopper. I would give anything to see her sing this with a full gospel choir.

Alison Helmer plays the bustling suburban mother who is too busy to listen to her son's confession of his sexuality. She comes off appropriately blind until she sings “Warning,” in which we learn she has known all along that her son is gay. Her duet with Peter, "See Me,” is a thing of beauty that is written and sung with impressive feeling and eloquence.

Zachary Allen Farmer delivers a strong performance as Priest, a man who seems in conflict himself—not with his sexuality, but in his struggle to advise Jason about his sexuality. In the end, he fails and falls back on the strict teachings of the church.

Jonathon Foster turns in a credible performance as Matt, whose problem is the most universal: He simply wants a lover.

bare is an original show with complicated musical structure. The fine cast is able to produce some unique harmonies and chords that at first sound discordant. It is to their credit and director Scott Miller's casting that they are able to pull it off.

Millers direction is sure and effective. He pulls notable performances from every member of the young cast, all the way down to the smallest ensemble role. Scenic designer Todd Shaefer has kept the set simple, utilizing several frames on wheels to create a variety of areas. The large cross hanging from above is a nice effect.

Kenneth Zinkl's lighting is effective, and Thom Crain's costumes are perfect for the setting.

Sarah Wilson* mostly succeeded with the difficult proposition of miking many singers, though there were some minor technical glitches that seemed to be more equipment difficulties than design.

bare is a show that explores a myriad of problems facing young people and their struggle to learn from and overcome the obstacles they face. It's definitely a show worth seeing.

But please be advised: The show includes adult content and language. It is not for children.