A cappella is pretty serious business. At least in Andrew Grosso’s and The Essentials’ PERFECT HARMONY it is. And serious business turns out to be a lot of fun in this wacky and warped comedy.

The a cappella Nationals are just around the corner, and The Acafellas and their female components, The Ladies in Red, are honing their skills for first place. And two groups of more misfit and eccentric high schools students would be difficult to find. There are mute singers, religious zealots, songsters with Tourette syndrome and English as a second language, and Chorus-Line-like personifications of exquisite Geekdom, along with stammering school psychiatrists, psychotic vocal coaches, and overly-sexed music agents. And because it’s high school, there are also life lessons to be learned about priorities, honesty, and love.

Running throughout PERFECT HARMONY are songs performed by talented singers, a delightful combination of silly and sophisticated humor, endearing characters, and many opportunities to find yourself laughing out loud. For an evening of wide-range entertainment, this one hits just the right note.

- Laurie Lawson