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Regional Reviews: Phoenix Songs for a New World Also see Gil's reviews of The Comeuppance, Frozen and Crazy for You
Brown, who later went on to write The Last Five Years and the scores for The Bridges of Madison County and Parade, wrote Songs for a New World as his first produced show. Rather than telling a single story, it presents a series of songs tied together by the idea of characters facing turning points in their lives. Guevara's decision to expand the cast from the traditional size of four to 12 has mostly positive outcomes. First, it means that each member of the cast gets at least one song to highlight their impressive vocal abilities, and second, it allows each song to truly stand alone as being sung by an individual character. There is no confusion, as there may be when all of the songs are sung by four people, of whether some of the characters tie into others the same performer plays. Expanding the cast also means there are many times, in the group numbers, when a wall of sound washes over the audience; something you can't achieve with just four singers. There are a few times when adding additional members to what were traditionally solo songs can detract from the lyrics. The same can be said about the over use of props or choreographed movement as Brown's lyrics are some of the best, and added movement, distractions from handling props, or choreography can steer your attention away from the words that are being sung. Sometimes less is more, and while there are only a few times here when that happens, it's something Guevara should be aware of for future shows he directs. The cast shines in every number, but several standouts deserve special recognition. Jocelyn Dorsey delivers a soaring "On the Deck of a Spanish Sailing Ship, 1492," while Katie Wright hits every comic bit with full steam in "Just One Step." "Stars and the Moon" is given a thoughtful interpretation by Aicha Ba, making its message about missed opportunities and empty ambition especially poignant. The pairing of "The Flagmaker, 1775" and the gospel-infused "Flying Home" are updated to a more modern setting, and River Moyes and Jose Andrés Uribe Garza derive every emotional beat in the lyrics. Joshua Ransford's clear, powerful voice hits some impressive notes in "She Cries," a playful reminder of the power of relationships and, with Ba, the touching duet, "I'd Give It All for You." Kyleigh Perales delivers a humorous "Surabaya-Santa," and Tre Moore has self-assurance in spades in "The Steam Train." Nickole Custodio projects luminous confidence in "I'm Not Afraid of Anything," and Atticus Adair's charming stage presence and clear voice are lovely on "The World Was Dancing" and, with Moore, the fun duet, "The River Won't Flow." "Christmas Lullaby," a song about a woman who has just found out she's pregnant, is sung beautifully by Siena Liljegren, while Prescott Smidt delivers a powerful "King of the World." This is an entirely student-led and designed production and the talents across the production are excellent. Molly Virtue's choreography adds some fun movement throughout and Helen Kohler's music direction delivers gorgeous notes from the large cast and the six-piece band. The creative elements (Jose Antonio Guevara and Jasmyn Gade's scenic design, Gade's costumes, Ellie Little's lighting, and Sophia Rodriguez's sound design) create a lovely playing space to bring the many characters, settings, and stories to life. What makes this production succeed so well with a larger than usual cast is that, while each performer has their moment in the spotlight, the group's unity is what grounds the show. The songs may feature different characters, but the cast's chemistry and shared sense of storytelling keep the piece cohesive. ASU's production of Songs for a New World is a joyful, reflective, and beautifully sung exploration of life's pivotal moments. With Jason Robert Brown's unforgettable score as its backbone and a cast that delivers with heart and precision, the result is a moving and uplifting theatrical experience. Arizona State University Music Theatre and Opera's Songs for a New World runs through October 5, 2025, at the Evelyn Smith Music Theatre in the ASU School of Music, 50 E. Gammage Pkwy, Tempe AZ. For tickets and information, please visit musicdancetheatre.asu.edu. Stage Director: Jose Antonio Guevara Cast: |
