Broadway performer Levi Kreis confronts his past with unflinching honesty in his new semi-autobiographical musical, Already Perfect, running at the King's Head theatre in London. The production, which continues until 15 February, sees Kreis play a version of himself, grappling with addiction and childhood trauma to find a path to self-forgiveness.
A Journey From Self-Loathing to Acceptance
The show opens with a raw moment: Kreis's character, Levi, stumbles off stage after being dumped by text mid-performance. After eleven months of sobriety, he is tempted by crystal meth, but his sponsor, Ben (played by Yiftach 'Iffy' Mizrahi), pushes him to face his inner child through music. Reluctantly, Levi sits at his keyboard, unleashing a torrent of musical memory.
This summons his younger self, Matthew, portrayed by Killian Thomas Lefevre. This confident yet wounded teenager guides the audience through Levi's painful history, from the horrors of conversion therapy and rejection to a self-destructive adulthood defined by drugs and toxic relationships. The dynamic between the older and younger selves forms the emotional core of the piece, as they gradually move from conflict towards a hard-won peace.
Powerful Music in a Transformative Space
While the dialogue is noted for being direct and emotionally unrestrained, the true strength of Already Perfect lies in its compelling score. Kreis's music draws from a deep well of American roots, shifting from the fervent energy of a Pentecostal revival to the aching melancholy of a Nashville ballad. A standout moment sees young Matthew describe one song as "Aretha meets Tori Amos."
The production, deftly directed by Dave Solomon, makes clever use of its intimate space. Jason Ardizzone-West's set is a workaday dressing room that magically transforms into a theatrical playground. A chord on the piano can summon coloured lights, costumes spill from a wardrobe, and a snap of the fingers cues a spotlight or a prop descending from the ceiling.
An Unmissable Theatrical Experience
There is no questioning the sheer talent and palpable sincerity that Levi Kreis brings to this small London stage. He performs with a raw, powerhouse vocal style, tearing the emotional heart from each song. The supporting cast, including Mizrahi's compassionate Ben and Lefevre's excellent, nuanced Matthew, provide vital counterpoints to Kreis's central performance.
Already Perfect is a brave and personal piece of theatre. It offers a candid look at the struggle for self-acceptance, underscored by a powerfully evocative musical journey. For those seeking a potent, emotionally charged night at the theatre, Kreis's performance at the King's Head is not to be missed.
