Beau The Musical ★★★★

“Sweet Grits on a Stick!”

We’re in Tennessee, y’all. That colorful exclamation comes from Larry, a secondary but vital character in Beau The Musical, the new musical with book and lyrics by Douglas Lyons and music by Lyons and Ethan D. Pakchar. The line lands a big laugh, possibly because Larry’s homespun colloquialism fits both the moment and the show itself.

An affectionate, Southern-fried theatrical concert, Beau The Musical tells the story of Ace Baker, a young queer man who discovers that a grandfather he believed dead is very much alive. The grandfather, who prefers to be called Pop Pop, is the titular Beau, a former professional singer. Why Ace had not known about his Pop Pop, and how his life changes once the two get to know each other, is the foundation of this story, one that journeys down well-traveled country roads, where the bumps and potholes of narrative contrivances are mostly smoothed over by a thick layer of molasses.

Thankfully, the production balances the overarching sweetness and familiarity with its country-rock musical numbers and a wildly talented cast. The score has some real humdingers, including the opening number “Pop Pop Beau,” the unlikely duet “It Couldn’t Be,” and the delightful “Crush,” which perfectly captures that intense, uncontrollable feeling when you can’t get someone out of your mind:

I gotta itty, bitty, tiny, yea, I’m kinda feigning crush on you

If you would only see me, let ‘me bring it yea I mean it love on you.

And what a cast, each of whom plays at least one instrument in addition to portraying their character. As Ace, Matt Rodin charms the audience with his terrific voice and the ability to play a 12-year-old without being cloying. Jeb Brown, fresh off his spring Tony nomination for Dead Outlaw, makes a most welcome return to midtown as the gruff Beau. Strongly supporting those two in ways both musical and narrative is the excellent band: Amelia Cormack, Andrea Goss, Ryan Halsaver, Miyuki Miyagi, Max Sangerman, and even percussionist Derek Stoltenberg, who steps out from behind the drum screen to make a strong impression as a secret love interest.

All are expertly directed and choreographed by Josh Rhodes at the venue formerly known as St. Luke’s Theatre. Now called The Distillery at St. Luke’s Theatre, the space has been fantastically transformed into a fully functional bar, where performers move freely among the audience. This lively, intimate honky-tonk makes a perfect immersive setting. Big props to the excellent design team who’ve gone whole hog to make this unusual space feel so authentic: scenic designer Daniel Allen, lighting designer Japhy Weideman, costume designer Rodrigo Muñoz, and sound designer Jordan Abrenica.

Unexpectedly, the most moving moment of Beau The Musical comes from the aforementioned grits-loving Larry, played perfectly by Halsaver. That a secondary character delivers the strongest emotional moment makes this amiable show feel slightly off-balance, but without question, evoking something is yards better than nothing, and by its end, with its energetic live music, spirited cast, and intimate setting, Beau The Musical leaves its audience feeling as warm and cozy as a shot of whiskey mixed with sugar and cream.