CHESTER — Goodspeed Opera House’s Norma Terris Theater has been home to many bold new works. Some in the beginning stages of life, others that have been time tested and audience approved. No Love Songs, now appearing on stage at the Chester location, is the latter. After a successful run at Dundee Rep in Scotland, the rock musical has hopped the pond to Connecticut for its first American run.

No Love Songs is a two-person rock musical based on Scottish singer-songwriter Kyle Falconer’s second solo album No Love Songs for Laura, released in 2021. Falconer, best known as the lead singer of Scottish band The View, has teamed up with his partner Laura Wilde and collaborator Johnny McKnight to adapt the album for the stage.

Loosely based on his own story, No Love Songs tells the tale of two new parents struggling to balance parenthood and identity. Post-natal depression, responsibility and self-worth are just some of the themes woven into this story.

The musical is reminiscent of other storytelling rock musicals such as The Last Five Years and Passing Strange in that the staging and theatricality is simple, leaving the book and music to do the heavy lifting. The stage is set up like a concert sound check, with equipment boxes and a few instruments, a genius conceit from scenic designer Leila Kalbassi.

Those equipment boxes and instruments quickly become a nightclub, a cozy home, a hospital and so much more right before the audience’s eyes. Co-Directors Andrew Panton and Tashi Gore have done a beautiful job of making a set so simple seem so expansive.

At the top of the show audiences meet Lana (Anna Russell-Martin) and Jessie (John McLarnon), two carefree young college students. The show follows their journey in and out of love and back again.

Two-person shows are tricky, unless you get two dynamic performers, which this production has done. From the moment they step on stage for their “sound check,” these two have the audience in the palm of their hand.

Russell-Martin and McLarnon are vocal powerhouses. As interesting and engaging as the story itself is, one could tell the audience was on the edge of their seats waiting for the next song. The chemistry between the two is electric.

Joining them onstage at the piano is their music director, Gavin Whitworth. Much credit is due to him for his beautiful arrangements of Falconer’s songs. He has seamlessly adapted these songs for the stage.

Regardless of whether one is with Falconer’s music or not, this is a rock musical worth checking out. After its Goodspeed run, ending October 20, No Love Songs will return to Scotland for two more engagements. Catch it before it returns to its homeland. You will not be disappointed.

Tickets and more information can be found at goodspeed.org.