Homegrown Collective: Coming Home to the Soul

Musicals & Operas · homegrown recording & collective · Ages 12+ · United States of America

world premiere
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Review by NOEL KATZ

June 18, 2023 certified reviewer
tagged as: mellifluous · creative · wondrous

What I liked

Performers addressed the audience in compelling ways, as if we were special guests at a party, which, in many ways, we were. The music was bright, fresh, and instantly enjoyable. A good amount of humorous bits landed.

Now, we live in an age in which performers who are also musicians have become exceedingly common. But I’ve never seen it like this: the violinist and flautist acted with their bodies, as great dancers do, a potent expressive combination.
An impressive variety of strengths were on display: one is a born character actress, another a soprano with the forcefulness you only find in Wagner. Glad to get to know them all.

What I didn't like

I could have used more structure, both in the piece as a whole and the songs themselves. There are brief bits of narrative that are certainly effective, but without all-embracing architecture, they feel almost arbitrary.

Some songs lacked form, the use of a hook or even a title; so they seemed amorphous.

There was an intriguing framing device that promised the creation of a new and unique song based on some words from the audience. Then we forgot about it. Well, most of us: I never heard “silly” after the word was suggested. Could have used more clarity about what the process was during the show.

My overall impression

Wild, unstructured, but never boring, this music theatre “happening” captivated with bewitching and lively music, solid “girl power” vibe, virtuosic musicianship and luscious harmonies. It walked a fine line, covering some serious subjects without ever getting preachy or somber. Recommended for adventurous audiences.

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