Some incredible performances but the band steals the show
Songs for a New World is our generation’s favourite song cycle. Packed full to the brim with the undeniable Jason Robert Brown Classics. The show celebrates individual experiences tied together with loose threads of possibilities and fears.
It’s easy to forget what a great venue Upstairs at the Gatehouse is (mainly due to the hill) but it really is a delightful space and the set design for this piece promises the eclectic nature of the show. I was a huge fan of the mixture of light shades which had creative lighting design woven through. Although the beige costumes were not to my taste – bringing banality to what could be vibrant characters.
Another huge joy in this revival is the band led by Liam Holmes and made up of:
Violin 1: Hannah Goodchild
Violin 2: Alex Seow
Cello: Joe Keenan
Bass: Simon Kennard
Drums: James Green
STRINGS FOR DAYS.
In such a small space it feels luxurious to have such depth of sound and there are moments throughout where the score overtakes the main action. One problem this does present is that it reduces the performance space drastically, giving the actors and director less stage to play with.
Lizzy Parker is outstanding as Woman 1, an air of Sutton Foster with similar capabilities. From the notes of the first moments to her heart wrenching rendition of Christmas Lullaby Parker embodies the truth and possibilities which drive the show. Parker’s rendition of I’m not Afraid is a masterclass, having seen it done badly A LOT this really is a reason to see this show.
Eleanore Frances as Woman 2 is impressive and grapples easily with the manic Just One Step and Subaraya Santa. What is missed in Woman 2 is the worldwise experience of an older performer which is where the writing leads us.
The harmonies are quite wonderful across the show and it is here that Luke Walsh and Christopher Cameron shine most. It is within Man 1 and Man 2’s solo performances that we stray a little more into Cabaret and are treated to excessive hand acting and struggling top notes.
It really is a beautiful piece and the struggle always lies with connecting these people and moments. There are definitely times when this version achieves clarity but it doesn’t carry through the whole show. It feels often like watching a showcase – not a production. That being said, in the good moments – it was soooo good. I just wish there were more of them.