Reviewed by George Basler Some of my favorite old-time movies growing up were the Judy Garland /Mickey Rooney movie musicals. They all had pretty much the same plot that ended with Mickey and Judy gathering a bunch of willing young people and intoning "let's put on a show," or words to that effect. Much the same atmosphere surrounds the Singers Performers Actors Repertory Ensemble's production of Songs for a New World being staged this weekend at North Pointe Church in Hillcrest. SPARE is a new addition to the local arts scene. The group was organized last summer to give local college and high school students who love performing another outlet for their passion. While some members of the company have picked theater or music majors, others are planning careers from journalism to nutrition. Like Mickey and Judy, the cast's enthusiasm was refreshingly displayed at Friday's opening night (Jan. 10). But more than enthusiasm was on display. SPARE's production was a first-rate work as the 13 cast members met the challenge of the demanding score and lyrics with intelligence and emotion. Songs for a New World by composer/lyricist Jason Robert Brown is not a book musical in the traditional sense. Instead, it's a self-described "song cycle" that stitches together a group of solo songs that portray characters facing "a new world" of self-discovery, regret, determination and hope. Whether Brown's concept fits together as a cohesive whole is debatable, but the show features a series of skillful songs by the creator who has garnered considerable attention as one of Broadway's most promising new composers. While Brown's lyrical style has been compared to that of Stephen Sondheim, I find the music much warmer emotionally than Sondheim's sometimes chilly work. Brown also has a gift for melody that balances his often complex lyrics. The Continue Reading
This fantastic article was written by George Basler from the Broome County Arts Council - he did an honest review and gave great shout outs to cast members Morgan Allen, Kristen Carter, Tony DeLousia, Erin Donovan, Samantha Heatherman, Patrick Tombs, and Marisa Valent. Great Job to the entire cast last night! Seriously if you don't come see Songs for a New World tonight then you are definitely missing out!