Musical Adaptation of ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ Finds Its Footing in Second Act

The new musical "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," now playing at The Public Theater, transforms from a somewhat unrefined opening into a compelling and emotional experience, particularly in its second half. The show, which traces the life of a man who ages backward from elderly to infant, ultimately blossoms thanks to the strong performances of its romantic leads, Andrew Durand and Kelsee Kimmel.

Initially, the musical, with music by Darren Clark and book and lyrics by Jethro Compton, presents a "folksy and verbose" style that can be challenging to engage with. This initial impression, however, gives way to a more focused and impactful narrative as the show progresses. The production, which moved its setting from Baltimore to coastal Cornwall, England, and its timeframe from 1860 to 1918, aims to capture the surreal atmosphere of a Britain recovering from World War I. This shift in setting and context provides a unique backdrop for Benjamin's backward aging, drawing parallels to the young men who had to mature quickly during wartime.

Benjamin Button is born at 70 years old, already possessing the ability to speak and read. The musical quickly introduces a darker tone, with Benjamin's mother, Mary, portrayed by Sachiko Mae, viewing her son as a "freak of nature." His father, Roger, played by Brandon J. Ellis, also harbors resentment. Despite these grim beginnings, Benjamin finds optimism, notably in the musical's strongest song, "A Little Life."

The central romance blossoms between Benjamin and Elowen, a barmaid played by Kimmel. Their connection forms the emotional core of the show, with Durand and Kimmel delivering performances that feel genuine and palpable. While Kimmel portrays multiple characters, including a sheep, her commitment to Elowen and her chemistry with Durand are consistently evident. Durand, who has previously appeared in comedies like "Shucked" and "Head Over Heels," delivers a more dramatic performance here, adeptly portraying Benjamin from old age to youth with a "casual wisdom."

The first act, which covers Benjamin's life from age 70 down to 44, involves a significant amount of narrative exposition, including a decade-long seafaring voyage with the Royal Navy during World War II. The set design by Compton, resembling a sunken fishing boat, and Anna Kelsey's period-inspired costumes contribute to the show's aesthetic, evoking a rustic, pub-like atmosphere reminiscent of other contemporary musicals like "Once" and "Hadestown."

However, it is in the second act that "Benjamin Button" truly finds its stride. The narrative shifts from a rapid recounting of events to a more mature exploration of loss and the passage of time. The romantic scenes between Benjamin and Elowen become more emotionally resonant, anchored by the leads' earnest portrayals. Durand's performance, in particular, is noted for its affecting portrayal of Benjamin's eventual realization about life's brevity, culminating in the poignant line, "Who knows how much time you have left? Don’t you waste a second of it."

The ensemble of actor-musicians performs the Celtic-adjacent score commendably, though the music is described as pretty but occasionally repetitive. The initial struggle to keep track of the numerous characters played by the ensemble in the first half is overcome as the focus sharpens on the central story and its emotional themes in the latter part of the musical. The show, running two hours and 40 minutes with one intermission, aims for Broadway after its run at The Public Theater.