A Musical For A Generation
Songs For A New World Revival Opens in Toronto
Seven years in the making, Jason Robert Brown's Songs For A New World has returned to the stage in Toronto, and it's about time.
This production is a revival of the original Canadian production, which premiered in 1999, and has subsequentially been revived three times in concert form for various benefits in Toronto, and this new production marks a new vision from director Chris Abraham.
The song cycle of 16 songs are about new beginnings and searching for second chances. The show doesn't have a through story line, with the actors portraying a vast number of characters, some which only appear once to share their story.
It is some of Brown's earliest work, and some of his best. His uncanny ability to tell interesting and thoughtful tales through his songs is his trademark, along with catchy and haunting melodies.
In this production, Thom Allison, Sharron Matthews, Jason Knight and Tracy Michailidis return to the fold, recreating the roles they originated in the original, and each are wonderful in their own way.
Sharron Matthews handles the comedic timing of "Just One Step" and "Surabaya-Santa" perfectly, and her interpretation of "Song And The Moon" is one of the most touching moments in the show.
Jason Knight does some fine work with songs like "The River Won't Flow" and "She Cries", and while vocally not as strong as the other performers, there is something about him. His voice is smooth and while he may not have the same strength as the others in the cast, he holds his own.
Tracy Michailidis offers a soft and sweet performance, and delivers with songs such as "I'm Not Afraid Of Anything" and her duet with Knight on "I'd Give It All For You" is wonderful.
The strongest performance of the night comes from Thom Allison, who's soaring voice sent shivers down the spine of this reviewer. Allison is in his element with his duet with Knight on "The River Won't Flow", and leading the charge in "The Steam Train". When he breaks out in "King Of The World" in Act Two, he gives the audience one of the highlights of not only the show, but of the theatrical season.
Chris Abraham, who is making his professional musical theatre directorial debut with Songs For A New World, gives us a slick interpretation, moving the actors around seamlessly, and works with his actors to convey the stories in each of their songs perfectly.
Songs For A New World is an almost flawless show, and thank goodness that after 7 years away it has come back to us. It's a musical for a generation of theatre goers who have a passion for new, interesting story telling, and Songs delivers on every single level. It's been a long time since Toronto has seen such a production like this.
In a time where epic, lavish musicals are making a comeback (Lord Of The Rings, Hairspray, Mamma Mia, Wicked, to name a few), it's nice to know that there is a theatre company out there who is willing to tackle such a fascinating piece of theatre like Songs For A New World, and that there are performers out there who can handle it's complexities. This production is a show for the ages, and truly a breath of fresh air.
Songs For A New World
By Jason Robert Brown
Starring Thom Allison, Jason Knight, Sharron Matthews and Tracy Michailidis
Now playing at the Young Centre For The Performing Arts until December 16th, 2006
For ticket and show information, click here.
****1/2 (out of five)
