By WILLIAM WRIGHT-HEATLEY
Staff Writer
The College of Saint Rose Theatre opened their production of Jason Robert Brown’s Songs for A New World on Nov 1. In what was the first show produced under the new Minor in Musical Theatre, Songs delivered. Songs, as the first show at the college under the Minor, opened up the theatre family to a new group of actors and production staff that may not have known about the program years prior. The actors in the production were grateful to be involved in something different and somewhat mysterious, and without spoiling anything specifically about the show, they had positive feedback concerning cast unity and spoke about some of the themes explored in the story, giving some context to anyone interested in seeing it.
Songs was relevant, and visually enchanting. The production, which ran through Nov. 10, featured a cast of seven students. There isn’t a “plot” per se, since the students play different characters that tell a different story with every song. As a result, the music and lyrics drive the show. The production was directed by Professors Angela Ryan-Ledtke and music directed by Suna Gunther, respectively. Saint Rose students Jillian Ruddy and Alex Choppy choreographed, while Josiah Stocker, Brenden Beaver, and Daniel Hoke played in the pit band.
Theatre is one of humanity’s oldest living art forms. As a visual and tangible form of storytelling, it captures the imagination and personifies emotion and identity. The style of theatre, whether musical, play, or performance art, provides an experience that yields a lasting effect with its audience. From the first number to the last, Songs took this audience on what can best be described as an emotional roller coaster.
There were many parts of this show which stood out to me. Matthew Boyce’s performance of “King of the World” in the second Act, paralleled controversial Supreme Court Justice appointee Brett Kavanaugh, who was accused of multiple incidents of sexual assault. In the song, Matthew (as Kavanaugh), discusses while he’s in prison his reasons by birth for why he should have what he does, despite having all of his legacy taken away from him. It is one of many overt jabs at the current administration. After the show, Ryan-Ledtke said that the show needs a villain, and Boyce’s performance within seconds provided the polarizing context. Another moment which stood out to the audience was “The Flagmaker, 1775,” in which Kyra Vazquez and the rest of the company reveal protest signs and in Elia Kazan style, sing as a battle cry against gun violence in the United States. Aileen Burke provided both humor and dramatic range in her different numbers. First, as the titular wife of a husband in the midst of an extramarital affair, she teeters on the ledge of her building whilst hilariously pleading and yelling at “Murray” promising that he can have whatever he wants, it only takes “Just One Step,” for her to die. Meanwhile, Nicholas Edwards, as a significant other in a college relationship, feels the fear of losing a loved one as they are in the selective service. This was a dramatic shift for Edwards, who usually plays lighthearted and funny characters. His shift to the dramatic struck a chord with many who saw him, especially after reuniting with his first love upon her return in “I’d Give it All for You.”
Each number reveals a different problem that the characters have in their lives. The actors in this production are some of the most talented people on campus, and all bring a different and unique style to their characters. Students like Burke, who have been involved in several productions at Saint Rose, can utilize what they’ve learned from previous experiences within the program. In observing Burke’s different performances over the years, she brings a new dynamic with every new character she plays whether comedic or dramatic. The contrast between character types and her ability to make them as real as possible shows the true capability of her range as a performer. Other actors in the show, like Edwards, Mark Manning, Kyra Vasquez, and Julianna Rivelli are involved in their first Saint Rose Theatre production. They will offer something new and interesting to Songs with their vocal and acting abilities. Edwards, Manning, and Rivelli are no strangers to the stage, and their roles each gave an identity that anyone could be able to relate to. All of their voices blended well together and gave the show an energy of power, togetherness and unity, emphasizing one of the many themes of the story.
For many current performers and program alumni, doing a Saint Rose Theatre production is more of a learning experience than what is advertised on the brochure. The intimate setting of the Theatre barn provides a unique performance opportunity, where actors are right up close with the audience. It can be somewhat intimidating for an actor to be able to see the faces of audience members. Performing in that space allows the actor the opportunity to be more comfortable in those instances. Manning entering from the audience after the flag transition was an example of this time of intimate interaction, and it was a masterstroke.
For a writer and a performer like myself, I’ve always felt as though music and theatre are essential in providing audiences the opportunity to look at life through a metaphorical lens. All shows are stories, and most stories have morals. What we feel along the way is a reaction to things that the characters feel or say, and are things that we can identify with. In polemical times like these, lessons are necessary to keep society grounded and reflective. It’s the only way that people can learn. Theatre, among other things, gives us that. Songs for a New World did that. We can make a better world for ourselves. It’s in our hands now. Well done to all involved.
