By John Quinn
Another significant birthday has come and gone. It was significant in the fact I'm still having birthdays, but considering the alternative, I guess it's better that way. I have a mind like a steel sieve and don't really remember being young. I think it was a time for life-changing decisions and painful lessons, the school of hard knocks and permanent bruised shins. But in the stream of life, one reaches an age when, like a rock in a riverbed, the edges are worn away and everything is smooth.
Thus we come to "Edges," the first professional production of The AKT Theatre Project in downtown Wyandotte. It's described as a "song cycle," a "set of related songs, intended to form a single musical entity." It is the work of University of Michigan graduates Benj Pasek and Justin Paul; it was the winner of the 2007 Jonathan Larson Award. The late Jonathan Larson, the creative genius behind "Rent," established a foundation to further the aspirations of young talent in musical theater.
"Edges" is a pleasant enough work. The show is unified in theme but also by the score, but there are no show-stoppers. Nor are there any melodies to hum on your way out of the theater. Music is provided by a traditional trio, Jeremy St. Martin on piano John Calvin on bass and Garrett Waggoner behind the drums. That's a nicely sized group to handle a musical this intimate.
It's a small band but a big cast – 10, to be specific. And they're young, Oh gawd are they young! I have sweat socks older than the ensemble. (Stand back from me at the gym)! This should come as no surprise as the music revolves around growing up, falling in love and out again; great expectations and even Facebook addiction. One day I must find out about this "Facebook" thing.
A recurring theme emerges. "I know there's something greater in me, but I'm afraid to be who I am." The play takes us from that sense of doubt to the belief "I can be what I am." Since The AKT Theatre Project is evolving out of workshop programs for aspiring performers, director Angie Kane Ferrante has some talent on hand to step up to the challenge.
The $64,000 question (yeah REAL old here) is: How did they do? In a nutshell – pretty good. Some voices are notably better than others, and one might find real talent sort of hanging back, almost as if they're fearful. Not to worry – they had the audience in hand before the end of the first number.
REVIEW:
'Edges'
The AKT Theatre Project at The Wyandotte Arts Center, 81 Chestnut St., Wyandotte. Friday-Sunday through April 16. $10. 734-258-8370. http://www.akttheatre.com.
