I don't usually cry at musicals, but Bare is an exception. The show teeters on becoming overly melodramatic, mixing in nearly every conceivable issue that could cause teenage angst: homosexuality, drug abuse, unwanted pregnancy, and so on. However, rather than this being an issue-driven piece, co-creators Jon Hartmere, Jr. (book and lyrics) and Damon Intrabartolo (book and music) have fashioned a character-driven narrative that is both moving and effective.

Set in a Catholic boarding school, the show centers on a group of friends during their senior year. Altar boy Peter (Michael Arden) is in love with his roommate Jason (John Hill), one of the most popular kids in school. They are carrying[...]