Songs For A New World: A Lockdown Performance Review

Credit: https://www.instagram.com/lambertjacksonproductions/

This week, Lambert Jackson Productions and The Other Palace have aired their second lockdown performance. After the success The Last Five Years had, it made perfect sense to repeat that: in more ways than one in fact, as they chose another of Jason Robert-Brown musicals. 

Though The Last Five Years is JRB's best known work, Songs For A New World is a contender for the #2 crown. It was also the first musical he produced back in 1995 Off Broadway. 

Like Last Five Years, I was familiar with the piece and had heard a couple of songs, namely Stars and the Moon, on Elaine Paige's show; but it wasn't one I had seen a production of or listened to all the way through. So I was excited.

The other big selling point is... well... have you SEEN this cast?! Rachel John (Hamilton); Ramin Karimloo (one of the best Phantoms EVER); Cedric Neal (Back to the Future and Chess); and finally Rachel Tucker, most recently seen in the UK premiere of The Pirate Queen and as Beverley Bass in Come From Away (which I am still upset I haven't seen yet... I was SUPPOSED to but.....)

I digress. It goes without saying that this cast could sing the phone book and I'd be happy. I was sold!

Credit: https://www.instagram.com/lambertjacksonproductions/

So what is Songs For A New World about? 

Well it's not about the story of one person; it's not about multiple stories interweaving like Love Actually; it doesn't in fact follow a linear story at all; it's more ABOUT one single moment; a crossroads; and which ever choice you make changes people's lives. 

Ever wondered what goes through someone's head when they decide to leave their husband? Or realising fear has been holding them back in life? How a past experience leads to a man leaving his fiancée? Or trying to keep hope alive when they don't know whether their son is dead or alive? 

Brown himself has said "It's about one moment. It's about hitting the wall or having to make a choice, or take a stand, or turn around and go back". It's inspired by his personal experiences, especially the first five years he spent living in New York. (You can read more here). 

Credit: https://www.instagram.com/lambertjacksonproductions/

People have debated whether it's a musical or a song cycle (individually complete songs designed to be performed in sequence as a unit). I would say it is a song cycle in a musical theatre style... so essentially, both. 

All the songs are totally independent of each other, except the Opening Sequence, Hear My Song at the end, and the Transition numbers randomly scattered across the score. Everyone plays a totally different part in every single number, and admittedly, that did take a little getting used to. But you soon get swept away by the sheer talent these performers have and the huge heart written into the fabric of every number.

Credit: https://www.instagram.com/lambertjacksonproductions/

As for the four of them, I don't have much to say because... well... it's one of the most talented foursomes you will ever meet. 

But I do need to talk about one extra person. A very lucky 2020 graduate also got to be part of this piece: Shem Omari Jones joined in to lead the Act 1 closing number "The Steam Train"

"You Don't Know Me; But You Will"

I'm sure we will Shem. Holding your own against a dream team like that is not easy. He was phenomenal. 

I must also applaud those behind the camera as well as in front; particularly everyone in the band, director Séimí Campbell and video editor Danny Kaan. 

If you haven't got your tickets yet, I recommend you do so: it is a piece that lays its soul bare for all to see. No song describes that more than the final number: Hear My Song. Does exactly what it says on the tin. 

The next two performances are tonight and tomorrow (24th and 25th July) at 7.30pm. 

To get tickets. go to https://lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/songs-for-a-new-world/ which are all £12.50 each - excellent value for a show like this, and a system which I believe a lot better than say the Old Vic's system which is "donation based" (probably said it before, will say it again). Oh and you don't have to queue either. Bonus. 

And to top it all off... Jason Robert-Brown HIMSELF liked my Tweet from yesterday... (please excuse me while I go and fangirl)