Interludes

VIEWPOINTS – Ravishing new musicals from off the beaten path getting their (virtual) due: ANIMAL WISDOM & MIDNIGHT AT THE NEVER GET

• By drediman
• May 25, 2021
• No Comments

Some of the most disarming new musicals I’ve seen over the years have never made it to Broadway, and therefore don’t get the attention they deserve. However, this week, courtesy of some of the country’s premiere regional theater companies, two of these exceptional works are finally getting their due via fantastic virtual presentations. Here are my thoughts.

ANIMAL WISDOM
Bushwick Starr / Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company / American Conservatory Theater
On-demand through June 13

Musician/performer/theater artist Heather Christian is an exciting talent to look out for, as evidenced by her intensely personal new musical Animal Wisdom (HIGHY RECOMMENDED). I had seen the work in its original incarnation at the Bushwick Starr, where it utterly bewitched me. That production has been vividly adapted to film and is currently available for on-demand streaming via Woolly Mammoth and A.C.T. Part séance, part requiem mass, part family memoir – the musical defies easy categorization. Because of its unique and unruly construction, the piece captivates and surprises at each turn, which is especially noteworthy given musical theater’s general inclination to stick to the “formula”. Ms. Christian’s rock score – with ravishing tinges of gospel, blues, and folk – is organic, instinctive, and comes from a place of deep introspection. However, aside from being a fascinating musician, Ms. Christian is also a magnetic actress and storyteller. As she delves deeper in the excavation of her family’s mythology – particularly the more sensitively-attuned matriarchal lineage – and conjures spirits through her music-making, the piece takes on an increasingly spectral and unnerving quality. With the aid of the thoughtfully immersive work of stage director Emilyn Kowaleski, the psychological terror that’s invoked never feels less than fully authentic, resulting in a harrowing but breathtaking piece of music theater (kudos also to filmmaker Amber McGinnis for palpably translating the experience to the small screen). Through it all, Ms. Christian is supported by a smashing band, who also seamlessly contribute to the storytelling and the sustained spell cast by this uncompromising musical.

MIDNIGHT AT THE NEVER GET
Signature Theatre
On-demand through June 21

Then we have Arlington, VA-based Signature Theatre’s virtual production of Mark Sonnenblick’s Midnight at the Never Get (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED). I had previously seen York Theatre Company’s 2018 Off-Broadway production, which caught me off guard by its craft and emotional impact. Set in 1960s Greenwich Village, the musical tells the story of the forbidden and tumultuous young love affair between two men – a cabaret performer (the more romantic, open-hearted Trevor) and his songwriter (the more tentatively open Arthur). However, what starts off as a predictably written cabaret-based musical unfolds into a cosmic story of unrequited love and a haunting depiction of memory and self delusion. Mr. Sonnenblick’s skillfully crafted score – featuring period perfect orchestrations by Adam Podd – is absolutely sublime and is one of the finest pastiche scores I’ve heard in a long time (e.g., there are convincing shades of Cole Porter, Noël Coward, as well as the song stylings of crooners like Frank Sinatra). In the central role of Trevor, Sam Bolen (who co-conceived the show) reprises his charismatic, heartfelt performance, which has only grown more nuanced with time. Also featured are the dashingly handsome Christian Douglas and Signature favorite Bobby Smith, who compliment Mr. Bolen beautifully. Matthew Gardiner’s production for Signature is elegantly theatrical, while retaining the tasteful intimacy of the Off-Broadway production (originally directed by Max Friedman). Signature’s pristinely-filmed production comes just in time for the exciting lead up to this year’s Pride festivities. I can’t think of a more fitting way to commemorate the struggles of our gay forbears than to stream this sensational new musical; I’m thrilled that it’s getting the exposure it deserves with this virtual run.