John McLarnon and Anna Russell-Martin Photo by Tommy Ga-Ken Wan

It is called gig theater and, well, what's that? The hybrid form encourages singers to transmit storyline directly to the audience. Russell-Martin, capturing complex, captivating Lana, and McLarnon, embodying guitar-playing Jessie, make a catchy, edgy match. Each has a shining voice and, collectively, they are irresistible.

Kyle Falconer composed the songs, which are drawn from his album. He is the primary singer with a Scottish band called The View. Falconer and Laura Wilde are actual life partners. Wilde co-wrote the book for No Love Songs with Johnny McKnight. Goodspeed's published notes indicate the No Love Songs story is a real one. The plot first focuses on Lana, meeting Jessie at a club, sleeping with him, and becoming pregnant.

Lana's depiction of her birthing scene, early in the 80-minute presentation, is nothing short of gripping. Sometime thereafter, Jessie goes to America on tour and Lana suffers from postpartum depression even as she attempts to cope by joining a mother's group. She is at best uncomfortable being a mother and at worst in complete despair. She was a college student heading for a career in fashion and now she is unsure whether or not she can parent this child. She and Jessie separate for a time which, while predictable, is nevertheless emotionally jarring to witness. In the end, No Love Songs is more optimistic.

The stage is bare except for some speakers and a long electric piano. Gavin Whitworth, who is music director and arranger, accompanies on the keyboard. Every so often McLarnon joins on his guitar; McLarnon's Jessie also goes solo. "Monsters," which Lana and Jessie sing early and later in reprise is most memorable with a line about turning into monsters. Lana wonders if she's in "a Nineties romcom."

It might feel to theatregoers as if they are in the midst a contemporary relationship. We are all privy to a snappy set of scenes zeroing in on a bereft young mother and a singer/guitarist on the move. Another perspective says they are individuals seeking to find joy and make sense of their lives and their baby's during a tumultuous time. The actors, so comfortable in performance, are absolutely at home on the stage. Even on a day when they already had a matinee, they were highly energized and always on pitch for the evening follow-up show. It is seamless as the story takes turns being poignant, honest, arresting, and, every so often, just sad.

Leila Kalbassi's costuming is completely appropriate. Lana wears a light green jump suit and Jessie jeans and a denim jacket. Each of the actors put on one of Jessie's flannel shirts.

Directors Andrew Panton and Tashi Gore, along with musically talented Gavin Whitworth, positively influence the production. Lighting designer Grant Anderson and associate lighting designer Bev Freeman assist with atmospheric mood shifts.

In all, it is truly a showcase for high voltage singer/actors McLarnon and Russell-Martin. During duets, they mix harmonies exquisitely. Individually, each is fully capable of nailing higher octave notes with specificity. Both of these actors trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and each brings significant credits from the stage and television as well.

The Terris Theatre, in sweet Chester, Connecticut, is rustic and charming. If this sometimes rousing, sometimes more contemplative performance matches well with somewhat newly defined gig theater, terrific! Really, it's in-between a play and small, live concert and takes on a very natural, easy feel.

No Love Songs runs through October 20, 2024, at Goodspeed Musicals, Terris Theatre, 33 N Main St., Chester CT. For tickets and information, please call 860-873-8668 or visit Goodspeed.org.