Written and performed by Todd Almond, I’m Almost There charts an absurdist, quirky odyssey towards love and decent coffee.
After meeting the man of his dreams at a “big gay brunch” in a triplex in Tribeca, all Todd Almond’s character has to do to clinch a second date is make it from his apartment to the ground floor of his building. Told though a song cycle, expertly performed by Almond on vocals and piano, and ably supported by Erin Hill on harp and Lucas McCrosson on bass, I’m Almost There is part shaggy dog story, part mythological quest.
The musical numbers are superb, with Almond’s delivery moving from patter song to lyrical to vamp (literally). The addition of the harp gives an otherworldly quality, as the intrepid hero encounters neighbours including the “sexy beast” across the hall, a woman running a pyramid scheme who lures him with her siren song, and a demonic reincarnated cat.
Originally developed with Audible, the piece has a distinctly “audio” feel – you would be forgiven for closing your eyes and simply allowing the images Almond is painting to wash over you. There are moments of interaction with the other two musicians – with a special mention for Hill’s “crazy cat lady” – which inject a fresh energy into a piece that otherwise feels very soothing and hypnotic.
Given his slew of impressive professional credits in both TV and musical theatre productions, it is surprising to learn that this is Almond’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut. There is no doubt it will not be his last.
By Deborah Klayman
I’m Almost There plays at Summerhall, Edinburgh until 26th August 2024.
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