This Is Not a Drill

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You may recall that on January 13, 2018, Hawaii residents including tourists received an alert that a ballistic missile had been spotted on the way to the islands. You may also recall that it was later reported as a drill only for security workers, and that the alert was over after 38 minutes. Songwriter Holly Doubet remembers that day as she was visiting the islands and has not forgotten the minutes pondering her impending death.

This is the premise of The York Theatre’s new musical This Is a Not a Drill, conceived by Doubet with book by Joseph McDonough and Doubet, and a 15 song score by Doubet, Kathy Babylon and John Vester. A pleasant enough entertainment, there is no urgency except for the hysterical characters at the Hibiscus Resort and Hotel who take the alert seriously. We know, of course, that it was false, so the authors have made their plot out of a Love Boat, Hotel or White Lotus sort of multiple storylines with each couple having their own crisis. Unfortunately, the characters and their problems are all clichés and stereotypes which all end happily, Hawaii being a place for solving one’s problems. It might have been more exciting dramatically if some of these plots had not had happy endings.

We are immediately introduced to this week’s guests: flamboyant Tony and workaholic Chris, a gay couple trying to get over their disappointment at losing their beloved foster son; long-time married couple Sophie and Derek hoping to relive their honeymoon, while Derek is in a continual panic awaiting a diagnosis from his cardiologist, and Jessica who at the last minute has arrived without her husband Steve who stayed behind, in reality to spend time with his current girlfriend. (Their children are currently with Jessica’s mother Laura.) Aside from the guests, Hawaiian entertainers Leilani and Kaleo are having trouble with their 17-year-old Ikaika (a guitarist who wants to go to medical school) who resents their performing inauthentic music for the tourists which he considers selling out. Of course, Madeline, the manager of the hotel has no idea what is authentic as her standard is based on the Hollywood movies Blue Hawaii and Beach Blanket Bingo.

While the music is cheerful and agreeable, there is a tinny sound, possibly from the two keyboards in the uncredited orchestrations. (Paul Bogaev is the music supervisor. David John Madore is responsible for the additional vocal score, vocal arrangements and choral direction, while Shannon Slaton is the sound designer.) The lyrics which don’t scan surprisingly do well with the music though they are often superficial (“In Hawaii, we may have a little storm/ But the weather, and the people, we stay warm.”)

The minimal set by Edward Pierce is entirely satisfactory for depicting the hotel and its surroundings. It is enhanced by Alan C. Edwards’ colorful lighting which bathes the set in yellows, reds and oranges convincing us we are in a tropical climate. The projection design by Peter Brucker and Brad Peterson is sabotaged by being displayed on a billowy curtain which makes both the news flashes and the pictures hard to see. Johanna Pan’s resort wear is attractive without being flashy (no flowery Hawaiian shirts!).

As directed by Gabriel Barre, the cast is robust and vigorous, making their familiar characters more real than the writing. Best is Felicia Finley as Jessica whose strong belt makes her songs “Am I Enough,’ “This You Should Know,” and “Waving Goodbye” into power ballads though there is no depth to her character. The gay couple, played by Matthew Curiano and Chris Doubet, makes the most of their comic opportunities including the anachronistic song “Cincinnati Boys” which seems out of character for them.

As the Black couple having difficulties due to Derek’s medical condition, Aurelia Williams as Sophie is a dynamo making up for Gary Edwards’ underwritten role. While Caitlin Burke and Kelvin Moon Loh are excellent as the hotel’s entertainers we never learn enough about them, while their son Ikaika played by Sam Poon steals every scene he is in. As the Anonymous Button Guy at the Emergency Command Center, Lukas Poost is more than a bit manic even when buying his morning coffee.

This is Not a Drill is a pleasant enough entertainment without the wow factor that makes for a memorable evening in the theater. What This Is Not a Drill needs is more original storylines that take us by surprise, not overly familiar plots we have seen often before. This has a interesting premise that needs more development.

This Is Not a Drill (through October 11, 2025)

The York Theatre

The Theatre at St Jean’s, 150 E. 76^th Street, in Manhattan

For tickets, visit http://www.yorktheatre.org/this-is-not-a-drill

Running time: 90 minutes without an intermission