Songs for a New World – theatre review

Breathtaking vocals, including soaring solos and perfectly pitched harmonies, outstanding musical accompaniment and a superbly crafted set are hallmarks of Songs for a New World, a musical about journeys through the ages. There is no spoken or linear narrative, rather back-to-back characters’ stories (all sung) about moments of decision in their lives – decisions draw from hardship and heartache, disappointment and dread.

On a voyage to an undiscovered country, a ship’s Captain prays for the safety of the souls aboard his vessel. A wealthy wife climbs out onto the window ledge of her 57th-storey apartment in an attempt to get her neglectful husband’s attention. A young woman reflects on the fears of the people she loves and comes to realise how they have held her back. A man tells the story of how his father bought, then lost, a store and how the experience influenced his decision to leave his fiancée. A prisoner demands he be freed and returned to his rightful place as a leader of men. A woman, whose husband and son are fighting in the American Revolutionary War, sews a flag while attempting to retain her faith in their safe return.

These are just some of the vignettes drawn together in diverse places and times, from the 15th century until the present day. Songs for a New World was US composer Jason Robert Brown’s first show, originally produced off Broadway in 1995. He has since gone on to win three Tony Awards. Speaking about Songs, he 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 music spans pop, gospel and jazz and combinations thereof.

Teagan Wouters (Fiddler On The Roof) sizzles with such purity of voice (it is privilege to be in the audience whenever she performs). Natalie O’Donnell (Les Miserables) shines and nails one of the show’s most memorable numbers – the sassy “kiss-off” Surabaya-Santa.  John O’Hara’s (Shout!) bold mannerisms are a feature together with his big voice, while Linden Furnell (La Cage aux Folles) is also impactful.

There are eight numbers in each 40-minute act and a 20-minute interval. Musical direction is from Geoffrey Castles (also on piano), with talented musicians Anthony Chircop and Tom Doublier on the bass and drums. They are a pleasure to listen to throughout. The set by Jacob Battista is that of an old ship that has seen better days, complete with the remnants of threadbare sails, storage chests and a battered suitcase.

It is an inspired creation, onto which is liberally splattered graffiti, all part of the bigger picture. You see the tags indicate character names and ages, places and time frames. Spot lighting pinpoints one-by-one as new songs are introduced. Very clever indeed! Director Luke Joslin has done a mighty job bringing the threads together and putting on a truly memorable piece of abstract musical entertainment.

I last saw Blue Saint Productions’ Violet, which was undoubtedly one of my favourite shows of 2016 … and now Songs, another triumph. It is a company to continue to watch out for because the quality of its work is clearly outstanding. Songs for a New World is playing at Chapel off Chapel until 13th June and the Hayes Theatre in Potts Point (Sydney) from August 12th to 28th.

Alex First