“Pleasure Never Lies” at PURE Theatre:  A Fresh, Fearless Musical with Wings

A bold new musical takes flight in Charleston, South Carolina

By Mark A. Leon

PURE Theatre’s world premiere of “Pleasure Never Lies” is a witty, emotionally resonant and intellectually daring new musical promising a bright future beyond its Charleston debut.

Let’s take a journey together:  Visualize 2 plus hours in an intimate theater where a cast, crew, animators and musicians take you on a journey influenced by the groundbreaking narratives of Grant and Hepburn, The Muppets, Monty Python, Rent and Legally Blonde.  Add in a splash of sexual tension wrapped nicely in the pleasure of intimacy and finally sprinkle memorable musical numbers that will stick with you long after you depart the theater.  

This is “Pleasure Never Lies”, a world premiere musical with book & lyrics by Marshall Hagins, music by Brad Moranz and the inspired direction of Sharon Graci.

How do you make a musical about Ornithology, the study of birds?

It’s often said great entertainment is defined by its ability to continue the conversation.  When a piece of entertainment truly leaves a lasting impact and connects with its audience, it becomes a breathing entity that consumes us and furthers a dialogue.  Whether it was the intended purpose or not, this production did just that. 

Over the next few days, I debated, discussed and theorized evolution, survival of the fittest, love vs pleasure, gender norms and societal impact and the now vs the future.

All these topics blended in homogenous harmony throughout this performance and what a joy it was to see.

Central Antagonism and Attraction

The central conflict lies in the relationship, academic status, believes and secrets of Sam and Charles played beautifully by Kindred Moore and Matt Shingledecker.  Both actors brought skilled musical talents and confidence to every scene.  Their energy played off like the spirits of Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy were hovering over the stage.  

If you read up on their careers, it is clear not only are they both driven by a passion for musical theater but have been rewarded with such credits as ‘Into the Woods”, “Wicked”, “Rent”, Les Misérables”, “West Side Story” and “Spring Awakening”.  

Both, natives of Charleston, were thrilled to return home and make their debuts on the Pure stage.

What the audience will see is through strength of character both were able to remain firm to their beliefs, create an authenticity of persona and exude vulnerability without compromising goals.

An Ensemble of Joy

The casting was near flawless with the supporting players adding vocal chops, humor and romance to the story.  

Maddie Casto as Destiny, was comic legend.  She nailed her scenes like a pro and resulted in some of the highest volume of laughter in the audience.  The number “Observable Facts” will play again on Spotify, in other cities and perhaps on Broadway.  It was something that could have been written by The Marx Brothers if they were feminist comics.  

Tiffany Parker as Sheila brought her 23 years of stage experience with a prominent appearance wrought with raw candor, power and wit.  A tour de force indeed!

Teresaa Catherine as Becky was nothing short of whorishly charming in her subtle innocence dabbled in flirtatious charm.  She brought love and comfort to the cast and played it beautifully well.

We adored Shivam V. Patel as the beta with a heart of gold and Noah Anderson as the cautious and slightly worrisome Eddie.  Yet, it was Noah’s leadership and Shivam’s hopeless romanticism as just the right moments that were needed continue the flow of the production.

Birds of Another Feather

We must give a special recognition to Josiah Albright, College of Charleston graduate and puppet designer as well as Anna Rob who assisted as puppeteer.  They effortlessly used suspension of reality to mimic the birds in their natural habitat.  

Conclusion

“Pleasure Never Lies” is a unique musical story that will leave you very satisfied.  We feel this production will have a long future and are so grateful to Pure Theatre and the City of Charleston for serving as the first stop for this new production.

Now playing through May 3, 2025 – Click HERE for tickets.

Photo Credit: David Mandel