"Music for a New World" at Niagara University Theatre-at-the-Church showcases both new music and talented young singers and dancers. The new music is by Jason Robert Brown, a promising musical theater writer. The singers and dancers are members of the highly acclaimed theater program at Niagara University.
If you haven't heard of Brown, don't feel left out. Director Tim Ward said it was the students who introduced him to Brown's music, saying that he would like what he heard. "We listened to it, and we did," said Ward, associate professor of theater and fine arts at Niagara.
According to Ward, "Music for a New World" was first produced in 1996, when the composer was only 25. It began as a collection of odd pieces that needed a home before it developed as a full show, added Ward.
Brown has written two more productions since "New World." In 1999 he won the Tony Award for Best Original Score of a Musical with "Parade." Currently he is working on "The Money Man." It should reach Broadway in 2003.
The key to "Music for a New World" is its simplicity. One simple homelike setting is used throughout. There's a couch onstage, a bookcase and, of course, a piano that accompanies everything.
The tiny cast consists of four singers and four dancers. The latter were written into the show by Ward and the Niagara players. Much of what they do appears to be improvisational. As singers perform their songs, the dancers interpret them, a lovely addition.
The show is beautifully choreographed by Terri Filips. The dancers include Katie Mallinson of Lockport, Peter Bennett of Youngstown, Sara Bentley of Oneida and Ian Tweedie of Lewiston.
The singers, all with strong voices, are as varied as the songs, which are sometimes melodic as the title song "The New World" and "The World is Dancing" in Act II, or comic as in "Dancers." Indeed, there is a wide range of emotions and events described in the music, though there is no attempt to string them together with a forced storyline or dialogue. Often the songs are narrative or poignant. One tells the story of a father in prison asking about his children. The very talented singers include Cristina Sass of Kingston, Ryan Murphy of Buffalo, Heather Adair of Albany and Andrew Liegl of Kenmore.
In all, "Music for a New World" makes for delightful entertainment, a small and intimate performance perfect for the small, intimate stage of Niagara University Theatre-at-the-Church.
Of his work, Brown says, "It's about one moment. It's about hitting the wall and having to make a choice, or take a stand, or turn around and go back. The moment you think you know where you stand, the things that you're sure of slip from your hand, and you're suddenly a stranger in some completely different land."
"Songs for a New World" is on stage at Niagara University Theatre-at-the-Church at 415 Plain St. in Lewiston on Dec. 13 and 14 at 8 p.m., and on Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. For information or to order tickets, call the box office at 286-8622.
| Niagara Falls Reporter | www.niagarafallsreporter.com | December 10 2002 |