The Unfortunates cover is in and it’s super murder-y!
If you’re a Kim Liggett fan, a psychological thriller fan, or just happen to love a good cover, we’ve got a treat for you. The Unfortunates comes out in July of 2018, and we’ve got the exclusive cover reveal in all it’s sinister glory.
Sneak a peek at the full summary and let us know what you think of the cover on the Tor Teen Blog!
American Conservatory Theatre is notorious for producing new works and plays that will challenge its audiences while still entertaining them. Their production values are always top-notch, and the casts they employ to bring these scripts to life are filled with some of the best actors, actresses, and musicians in the nation. The Unfortunates is their current musical; it’s weird, it’s loud, it’s energetic, it’s animated, and it’s stellar. This musical confirms American Conservatory Theatre’s success in bringing exemplary productions to the Bay Area.
The Unfortunates creators (Jon Beavers, Krstoffer Diaz, Casey Lee Hurt, Ian Merrigan, and Ramiz Monsef) have put together a show that has a wide array of musical styles including gospel, jazz/big band, ballads, and “typical” Broadway arrangements working well for it. The variety of genres allows for the cast to effectively tell the story of Big Joe’s coming-to-grips tale of losing a couple of his closest buddies in World War I. Shana Cooper’s direction is deft, lively, and emotionally-jarring at times. Cooper’s understanding of the courageously-chaotic script seeps into the cast’s impeccable commitment to telling the story. These aspects, matched with Erika Chons Shuch’s fantastic choreography makes The Unfortunates one of the best shows you didn’t know you had to see!
(Center- Ian Merrigan (Big Joe), Up Left- Arthur Wise (Preacher), Up Right- Eddie Lopez (Koko); Photo Credit: Kevin Berne)
Ian Merrigan takes on the mammoth role of Big Joe and successfully leads the musical with booming vocal turns that match his inherently booming presence. Merrigan’s dynamic acting, facial expressions, and strong delivery of some of the script’s key lines make for a flawless turn as the story’s hero. His two buddies, the jocular duo of Coughlin and CJ, are played by Jon Beavers and Christopher Livingston, respectively. These two clowns of the stage exude heavenly harmonies, an exhausting amount of energy, and a delicious dark side to their acting chops (when the script calls for it) that allows for the duo to develop a well-rounded performance for the audience to enjoy.
(Front, L to R- Christopher Livingston (CJ), Ian Merrigan (Big Joe), Jon Beavers (Coughlin); Photo Credit: Kevin Berne)
Danielle Herbert, Taylor Iman Jones, and Lauren Hart are a trio of stellar vocalists with sass, an earnest demeanor, and great dancing chops to boot. Jones plays Big Joe’s quick-to-fall-for love interest with a beautiful sweetness that doesn’t lose the vim and verve she needs to help Joe’s quest to save her from the plague that is infecting nearly everyone. Ramiz Monsef is a devilishly-delightful antagonist, taking on a quartet track of villains as General Goodtimes, Enemy, Stack, and Doctor. Eddie Lopez gives a show-stopping featured performance as the tap-dancing, happy-go-lucky Koko the Clown, making his triple-threat musical performance one that is memorable beyond the final bow.
(Ramiz Monsef (pictured as General Goodtimes); Photo Credit: Kevin Berne)
Sibyl Wickersheimer’s versatile set is built with a fluidity that allows for the several location changes to be staged with ease. The vibrant curtains and walls are lit by Russel H. Champa’s thrilling lighting design, and Katherine O’Neil’s costumes are functional, abstract, bright, and totally perfect for the mood of this music and script. The Unfortunates will continue rocking out at American Conservatory Theatre’s Strand Theater through April 10th, but tickets are going quickly so now is the time to stop reading this review and go to ACT’s website to buy your tickets. Go see this show!
