Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Third Rail Projects unveils its latest immersive creation TRUE LOVE FOREVER, a soulful ode to modern love

• By drediman
• November 24, 2024
• No Comments

It’s been a while since Third Rail Projects has disarmed New York theatergoers with one of their immersive theatrical experiences. Over a decade ago, the visionary company stunned audiences with its legendary production of Then She Fell — a spliced riff on author Lewis Carroll’s personal struggles and his literary creations — which enjoyed a healthy multi-year run at a former Brooklyn hospital. Then there was The Grand Paradise, an even more ambitious undertaking that transported participants to a 1970s tropical resort where an on-premises fountain of youth promised to rejuvenate guests. Most recently, Third Rail Projects presented Ghost Light, an elaborate and fantastical production that literally took over the entirety of a Lincoln Center theater.

Suffice to say, the folks over at Third Rail Projects have a knack for creating bespoke theatrical happenings that smartly adjust their storytelling approach and methods of immersion based on the specific contours of the project at hand (I can’t say the same for Punchdrunk, that other major purveyor of immersive theater, which has a tendency to stick to using tried-and-true techniques in their blockbuster shows). The common denominator amongst Third Rail Projects’ beguiling portfolio of diverse and soulful experiences is the great extent to which they bring penetrating human points of view to meticulously realized worlds.

Third Rail Projects’ latest creation — True Love Forever, which is currently playing for a handful of performances this fall at ART X NYC in Chelsea — is no different. In short, the piece is an encompassing ode to modern love and romance. The experience begins with interactive roundtable discussions, during which audience members are put into the appropriate state of mind by inviting them to share their own personal experiences as it relates to the follies of romantic escapades, covering the gamut anywhere from awkward first dates to bruising breakups. The experience then segues into to an immersive rock concert courtesy of British recording artist Coyle Girelli, whose songs continue to mine love and its various aspects.

Upon first glance, it may all seem a tad on the nose. But look more closely, and you’ll find that there’s a certain beauty that comes with the show’s willingness to embrace the entirety of it — the schmaltz and the kitsch, along with the genuine wonder of being in the state of being in love. And what better way to encapsulate these incongruous notions than with an emotive, slightly overwrought 1990s rock-inspired soundtrack? Indeed, the centerpiece of the experience are arguably Girelli‘a excellent set of original songs — an irresistible hybrid between the Cheap Trick and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers songbooks — which are played live by a terrific band.

The songs serve as moody-setting backdrop for the beautifully-drilled ensemble cast (excellent all around), as they acquit themselves admirably to the often awkward and exposing positions — both literally and figuratively — that they’re put into by co-creator and immersive theater guru Jenine Willett (much of which is conveyed through some rather physical and witty choreography). While not quite the large scale endeavor as aforementioned efforts like Then She Fell and The Grand Paradise, True Love Forever seems — by design — more nimble and not quite as site-specific as those productions. Given this uncertain time for the arts, this seems a calculated choice. Thankfully, it doesn’t undermine the artistic integrity of the production.

RECOMMENDED

TRUE LOVE FOREVER
Immersive Theater
Third Rail Projects at ART X NYC
1 hour, 30 minutes (without an intermission)
Through December 15