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Not quite perfect, but well on its way

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Already Perfect is a new musical written by and starring Tony Award winner Levi Kreis. This three-hander explores the messy, rhythmic, and often painful journey of Kreiv’s own life, attempting to capture the essence of self-discovery through a blend of contemporary song and intimate storytelling.

From the moment the lights rise, it is clear that the production values are punching well above the weight of a typical smaller theatre show. The set design is particularly ingenious, featuring a rotating back wall that transforms the small stage with fluid ease. This visual dynamism is matched by costuming that feels intentional and choreography that avoids the usual pitfalls of small-space musical theatre. It is notoriously difficult to make synchronized movement feel organic in a cramped environment, yet here the transitions feel like natural extensions of the characters’ emotions rather than forced moments.

The performances are universally excellent. The chemistry between the three-person cast keeps the energy high, ensuring that even the more quiet, contemplative moments land with emotional weight. Levi Kreiv is as excellent as you would expect from a Tony Award winner, and the songs that he has given himself are clearly exceptionally suited to showcase his impressive vocal chops. 

However, the show’s title becomes a bit of an ironic sticking point. While the performances are stellar, the script itself isn’t quite “perfect” yet. Clocking in at a lengthy runtime for a one-act show, the narrative occasionally slips into the territory of the self-indulgent.

When a musical is written by, stars, and centers on the life of the lead actor, a certain amount of navel-gazing is expected. For the first half, Kreiv strikes a beautiful balance of authenticity. But as the show meanders into its final third, the central purpose begins to blur. The piece currently sits in a creative limbo. It either needs to be expanded into a fully-realized two-act production to allow its themes more room to breathe, or it needs a ruthless edit to become a snappier, more impactful and focused one-act show.

Musically, there is much to admire. Kreiv’s songwriting is generally strong, delivering several earworms that would hold up well on a cast recording. While some of the lyrics lean into the “on-the-nose” variety, the delivery is so earnest that you’re inclined to forgive the clunkiness.

The show relies perhaps a little too heavily on the “solo piano ballad,” which can stall the momentum. However, when the cast joins together for the more energetic, ensemble-driven numbers, the production truly soars. These high energy highlights are the moments that linger long after the final bow.

Already Perfect is a deeply impressive and polished piece of theatre. While it may still be a few edits away from its namesake, it is a vibrant testament to Kreiv’s talent as a performer and writer. It is an entertaining evening that proves that even if a life (or a musical) isn’t perfect, it can still be well worth watching.

Already Perfect is playing at the Kings Head Theatre until February 15th.