Songs for a New World is a show that was the first produced work for composer/lyricist Jason Robert Brown. It is an abstract musical with a series of songs that are all connected by a theme, which would be "the moment of decision". Everyone in the small cast of four people don't actually play the same characters throughout, but they all nonetheless do consistently develop character arcs.
This show originally premiered at Off-Broadway's WPA Theatre in 1995 under the direction of Daisy Prince (daughter of legendary theatrical producer/director Hal Prince). It had a cast that consisted of Brooks Ashmanskas, Andréa Burns, Jessica Molaskey, and Billy Porter. Thanks to the show's small cast and orchestra, Songs for a New World has over the years (especially lately because of the pandemic) been a popular choice for colleges and local theatres to produce despite the vocally demanding musical score.
As for North Carolina Theatre's production, director Eric Woodall keeps everything staged around the small orchestra placed on Becca Johnson's simple set, the latter of which is put to good use. There may not be a ton of bells and whistles to be found on stage, but Samuel Rushen does provide some dazzling lighting. Plus, Joshua Reaves pulls off some impressive video work on display in the background where we the audience get to see images of all the different things that relate to the themes of Songs for a New World.
Everyone in the cast does a terrific job of not only singing their songs, but also acting them out as well. Which is especially impressive given how complex the lyrics can be in pretty much a lot of Jason Robert Brown's work. They all even get to share some big production numbers together without even being backed up by a chorus of dancers (despite some solid minimal choreography from Jose Rondon, Jr.), just a lively energetic orchestra conducted by Edward G. Robinson. To me, each performer has their own stand out moments.
Krystina Alabado offers a strong rendition of 'I'm Not Afraid' as well as a heartfelt rendition of 'Christmas Lullaby'. Adam Jacobs offers such a charismatic presence throughout. He is especially at his most compelling with his renditions of 'She Cries' and the Act II opener, 'The World Was Dancing'. Both he and Krystina also share such a powerhouse duet in the second act titled 'I'd Give It All For You'. Kyle Taylor Parker brings in quite a bit of energy with his big number, 'The Steam Train', which also happens to be the Act I finale. He also offers a commanding rendition of 'King of the World' as well as a powerful rendition of 'Flying Home'. Christine Sherrill gives a soulful rendition of 'Stars and Moons', a spunky rendition of 'Surabaya-Santa', and a haunting rendition of 'The Flagmaker, 1775'.
I must say that it's hard not to get emotional during the finale, 'Hear My Song', not only due to how well the cast performed it, but also because of the images we the audience see in the background. They remind everyone of all the turmoil the whole world has gone through within the past year. People not only had to face a pandemic, but also the Black Lives Matter movement. Luckily, we appear to be finding a light at the end of the tunnel as performing arts venues everywhere (including North Carolina Theatre) are starting to resume live events with in-person audiences.
Songs for a New World is currently playing at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium located inside Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts through August 1st. If you're someone who still doesn't feel comfortable going back out in people places yet (especially given all the recent COVID-19 surges), you can watch this production from the comfort of your home for on-demand digital viewing from July 30th-August 1st.
For more information, please visit:
https://nctheatre.com/shows/songs-new-world
This show originally premiered at Off-Broadway's WPA Theatre in 1995 under the direction of Daisy Prince (daughter of legendary theatrical producer/director Hal Prince). It had a cast that consisted of Brooks Ashmanskas, Andréa Burns, Jessica Molaskey, and Billy Porter. Thanks to the show's small cast and orchestra, Songs for a New World has over the years (especially lately because of the pandemic) been a popular choice for colleges and local theatres to produce despite the vocally demanding musical score.
As for North Carolina Theatre's production, director Eric Woodall keeps everything staged around the small orchestra placed on Becca Johnson's simple set, the latter of which is put to good use. There may not be a ton of bells and whistles to be found on stage, but Samuel Rushen does provide some dazzling lighting. Plus, Joshua Reaves pulls off some impressive video work on display in the background where we the audience get to see images of all the different things that relate to the themes of Songs for a New World.
Everyone in the cast does a terrific job of not only singing their songs, but also acting them out as well. Which is especially impressive given how complex the lyrics can be in pretty much a lot of Jason Robert Brown's work. They all even get to share some big production numbers together without even being backed up by a chorus of dancers (despite some solid minimal choreography from Jose Rondon, Jr.), just a lively energetic orchestra conducted by Edward G. Robinson. To me, each performer has their own stand out moments.
Krystina Alabado offers a strong rendition of 'I'm Not Afraid' as well as a heartfelt rendition of 'Christmas Lullaby'. Adam Jacobs offers such a charismatic presence throughout. He is especially at his most compelling with his renditions of 'She Cries' and the Act II opener, 'The World Was Dancing'. Both he and Krystina also share such a powerhouse duet in the second act titled 'I'd Give It All For You'. Kyle Taylor Parker brings in quite a bit of energy with his big number, 'The Steam Train', which also happens to be the Act I finale. He also offers a commanding rendition of 'King of the World' as well as a powerful rendition of 'Flying Home'. Christine Sherrill gives a soulful rendition of 'Stars and Moons', a spunky rendition of 'Surabaya-Santa', and a haunting rendition of 'The Flagmaker, 1775'.
I must say that it's hard not to get emotional during the finale, 'Hear My Song', not only due to how well the cast performed it, but also because of the images we the audience see in the background. They remind everyone of all the turmoil the whole world has gone through within the past year. People not only had to face a pandemic, but also the Black Lives Matter movement. Luckily, we appear to be finding a light at the end of the tunnel as performing arts venues everywhere (including North Carolina Theatre) are starting to resume live events with in-person audiences.
Songs for a New World is currently playing at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium located inside Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts through August 1st. If you're someone who still doesn't feel comfortable going back out in people places yet (especially given all the recent COVID-19 surges), you can watch this production from the comfort of your home for on-demand digital viewing from July 30th-August 1st.
For more information, please visit:
https://nctheatre.com/shows/songs-new-world