The ensemble of actors/singers, some of which play more than one part, is enthusiastic in its portrayal of Texan life. Marie Lemon, Ralph Prentice Danial, Dante Sterling, David Couter, Haley Jones, and Mark Fishback handle the many primarily clever songs with power and panache, and some fantastic harmonics. Set designer Christopher Ostrom has, as always, wowed the audience with his mis-en-scène—this time, a rustic Lone Star country/western interior that provides the backdrop to all the various venues and scenes. (See if you can spot the band—Nevada Lozano, Jo Miller, Robert Bekkers and Chris Cerreto—in the set’s cleverly designed pickup truck.) A shout out to costume designer Carol Sherry, who didn’t go too far over the top in creating “western” styles.

Sam Scalamoni’s skillful direction and musical staging creates a fast-moving, engaging air of folksy storytelling by an outstanding cast — both in vocals and characterization — led by Todd Buonopane’s likable, cheerful Tiede. You know he’ll become a killer, yet Buonopane wins you over with Tiede’s nerdy friendliness and quiet introspection. His disbelieving musical question, “Is This My Life?,” reflects first his good fortune as Nugent’s international travel companion, then his prison confinement. Was his murdering Nugent premeditated? Or did he snap from abuse by Nugent and in his childhood? Fogarty raises these questions, and Buonopane keeps the audience unsure of the answers.

The cast of eight, backed by four excellent onstage musicians, have terrific voices, and smooth professionalism. One standout with the right Texas accent and pizzazz is ensemble member Halley Jones as both waitress, Tammy, and Mrs. Nugent’s granddaughter. Carol Sherry’s costume changes work well, delineating the multiple characters the actors play. The musical has its moments for those who find fascination in the morbid. It’s haunting in its unresolved moral dilemmas. For those put off by the macabre, be warned away. The opening night audience found many a good laugh and was not put off by the play’s morbidity; they gave it a standing ovation.

“Southern Harmony,” though it involves tragedy, is not a grim play. In fact, there are many funny moments in it. And more importantly, it’s a showpiece of excellence in theater arts. The cast, both as actors and as singers of a far-reaching and challenging libretto, is superb. They’re an ensemble carried by the two principal characters, Bernie Tiede (Todd Buonopane) and Marjorie Nugent (Emmanuelle Zeesman, who, judging from her cast photo, is playing, very effectively, far beyond her natural years). A call out too for the tall and striking Dante Sterling as James Tyler and then defense attorney Skip Tomlinson, with his beautiful singing voice.