What I liked
This work is a tremendous undertaking, the care and love in writing it, obvious. The original songs, by and large, are beautiful, haunting even. Melodies and lyrics are sticking with me, particularly from “XX Hex” and “No Champagne and Roses.” The 3/4 staging is refreshing, King Nigel’s look is spot on, and she commands the instruments she plays with more than adequate aplomb.
What I didn't like
Gods, I so wanted this show to be good. I came in fully prepared to bend a knee for King Nigel, goddess of punk rock, but the persona fell flat and the heightened moments felt forced. Rate of speech was too fast and muddled in the beginning and there was a disconnect from the text that sometimes comes from over-rehearsal.
Sound was a huge problem for me, and I attribute much of my other frustrations to a lack of volume. Everything was too quiet- the backing tracks and Satu’s vocals, much too gentle, much too restrained. If I can hear the actor’s soft soled boots louder and more distinctly than the actual rock opera, well, that’s troubling.
Satu is clearly a performer capable of filling up a room, I’m curious as to why she didn’t embrace the magnitude of the icon she created. Where’s the established narcissism, or at least the perceived hubris? Where’s the rock god? What happens if the performer relinquishes control to the character? If what we’re witnessing is a fall, it should be one hell of a ride.
I think my expectations were too high.
I wanted an Amanda Palmer; I got a restrained, off brand Suzanne Vega. But this work has extraordinary potential, and I’m excited for this artist’s journey.
My overall impression
A valiant attempt.
