Theatrical Review: Songs for a New World

SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD
Written by: Jason Robert Brown
Directed by: Susan Jordan*
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA presented The Black Sheep production of “Songs for a New World” by Jason Robert Brown on Saturday August 2nd. Filmmaker Quentin Tarantino once said of his scripts they’re not poetry, but they sound like poetry. “Songs for a New World” is not a musical, but is performed like one. “Songs for a New World” is not a choral concert, but is sounds like one. One can almost say the production is a musical revue, but it isn’t quite that either. As a result, this is not a theatrical review, but it may resemble one.

What “Songs for a New World” consists of is a string of musical pieces unbound by any plot, dialogue, or characters. However, there is an underling theme prevalent throughout the performance. This theme related to the changes the human species encounters as each individual experiences their daily lives. Although some of the situations may be more fictional than others, a subtle yet profound truth is found in each one and recognized by each member of the audience as their own.

“Songs for a New World” featured numerous talented voices who enhanced the material with their interpretations of it. These vocalist were Like Ackerman, Jane Asher*, Kevin Dwyer*, Dale Foley, Kelly Foley* (who also served as the production‘s choreographer), Tracy Gross, Annie Locke*, Ron Perkins, Jamie Snee* (who also served in the properties department of the production), Beth Spangler, Steve Spangler, and Spencer Taylor. Musicians for the production consisted of the Musical Director Ronan Marino* on Piano, Chad Diehl on Bass, Beth Faulstick* on Percussion, Bob Riday on Keyboard, and Matt Noia on Drums. The combination of the vocalists’ renderings and the musical accompaniment along side with the production’s staging and setting made this a meaningful evening.

“Songs for a New World” by Jason Robert Brown was Directed by Susan Jordan* while Judy Lawless and Marie Gannon served as Stage Managers. The Production Manager was Linda Whidden while the Vocal Coach was Nancy Joy Koch. The Production’s Sound designer was Glenn Kern while Scott Desantis designed the lighting and set. Eric Dwyer* and Anthony Calderone served as Technical Assistants.

The Next presentation at The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA will be “One Summer Night” on Saturday August 9th featuring the best of “Oldies” music with Kenny Vance and The Planotones, The Fireflies, The Chiffons, and The Duprees. Please contact The Sherman Theatre* at 570-420-2808 or visit their website for more information and to reserve your tickets.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.