Passing Strange: an exuberant new rock musical which is original and truly exciting
Oscar E Moore from the rear mezzanine for Talk Entertainment.com
With a cast of seven amazing singers who can also act the bejesus out of their parts, headed by a guy named Stew, with four phenomenal musicians backing them up – set up like the points of a compass on stage at the Belasco Theatre - PASSING STRANGE - promises in its opening moments “to play some music” and play it they do. With an honesty and fervor that pulses new blood into the Broadway musical.
It’s a thrilling and strangely emotional musical ride that Stew takes us on. You see, it’s sort of based on his life. A fictional autobiographical trip that starts out in south central Los Angeles where a middle-class black boy (Youth – an astonishingly talented Daniel Breaker) is trying to find himself. How he should fit in. Where he should fit in.
Attempting to learn about love and to understand his love of music and family, Youth escapes to mind expanding Amsterdam and then to decadent, neurotic Berlin meeting various memorable characters along the way - only to return back home. Stew is the narrator. Sometimes in the action. Sometimes commenting on the action. And it is Stew’s story that Youth acts out. It’s beautifully told. And sung. The score by Stew and Heidi Rodewald is terrific – a mixture of rock and soul and beautiful tunes. The book and lyrics by Stew have a wonderful sense of humor and intelligence about them.
PASSING STRANGE is a gripping story told in a non-conformist theatrical manner, that is to say – it’s staged more like a rock concert than a traditional musical. It’s original and truly exciting. I was totally taken by surprise that I enjoyed it so much and that I was so emotionally involved in his journey. Traditionalist that I am. But PASSING STRANGE has an unexpected casualness about it that draws you into this “coming of age” story. Only after, do you realize that the casualness is very cleverly calculated.
It is directed by and “Created in Collaboration” with Annie Dorsen. It shows. Book, lyrics, music and characters are of the same rich cloth. Karole Armitage – choreographer adds all the right movements to keep the show pulsating. Eisa Davis as Youth’s Mother is outstanding. Playing various characters Colman Domingo is mesmerizing. Chad Goodridge, Rebecca Naomi Jones and De’Adre Aziza are all incredible talents. David Korins (scenic design) adds just the right atmosphere which is brilliantly lit by Kevin Adams. Their “Light Wall” is a brilliant tour de force of design.
PASSING STRANGE is a trip that just shouts out for you to want to be taken along on. Go. Be surprised and be moved by Stew’s tale of enlightenment and love. And music.
www.PassingStrangeOnBroadway.com
03-07-08
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wrote:
I agree with everything said....and I so look forward to having the eclectic music on disc.It is this years SPRING AWAKENING!!
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