The proper title of this new off-Broadway musical is The Slug Bearers of Kayrol Island (or, the Friends of Dr Rushower) . Like most of the libretto and lyrics, by Ben Katchor, however, words here are scarcely the point. The prime reason to see this show, which has been racking up the raves, is for what can only be called its visual environment.

Katchor, a cartoonist whose books include The Jew of New York and Julius Knipl, Real Estate Photographer , contributed drawings that the design team (set and projection designers Jim Findlay and Jeff Sugg, costume designer Mattie Ulrich) adapted drolly. It is an urban graphic novel come to life: 3D creatures creep through pastel doorways alongside established New York actors such as Peter Friedman and Bobby Steggert.