“Barcode” at the New York International Fringe Festival at the Ellen Stewart Theatre – La MaMa
“Barcode” at the New York International Fringe Festival at the Ellen Stewart Theatre – La MaMa Book, Music, and Lyrics by Debbie Andrews and Mike Blaxill Directed and Choreographed by Joe Barros Reviewed by Joseph Verlezza Theatre Reviews Limited
“Barcode” a new musical which has debuted as part of the NYC International Fringe Festival attempts to affirm its claim as a “futuristic rock musical” but misses the mark. Yes it does take place in the future where Earth Corp rules and controls the 99%, a somewhat fatigued yet still pertinent theme; however, the score does not rock. Subplots drive the plot but are weak and do not create enough interest. Boy from Earth Corp family meets girl from anti-establishment group Jammers while searching for his missing father who just happens to be leader of the underground movement always lurking in the shadows. Boy and girl destroy Earth Corp, father is reunited with mother and son and everyone lives happily ever after, for a while. “Barcode” is standard musical theatre fare with no surprises.
The obstacles that the cast and creative team are facing in this current production are not insurmountable but will need substantial work and focus to overcome. Too many musical numbers use the one line title as a lyric that is endlessly repeated which does not benefit the plot or serve the character. Songs begin teasing the audience in great expectation but quickly fall short and do not deliver. It is difficult to place blame on director or cast for lack of character delineation, but most appear one dimensional. The director regards the material too seriously and the music drones in the same slow tempos even when it cries out to explode with emotion. This show needs to be brought to the edge and infused with parody, caricatures and humor, all of which will convey the important message with a powerful punch. The vocal energy and music in the songs “Barcode”,” Reckoning” and “Citizens” are a good barometer in measuring the promise of a future production. Final analysis; great effort but poor execution.
BARCODE
“Barcode”is presented by The New York International Fringe Festival and Barcode Snacks at the Ellen Stewart Theatre – La MaMa, 66-68 East 4th Street (2nd Avenue and Bowery)
All performances of “Barcode” take place at on the following schedule: Friday August 9th at 2:00 p.m.; Sunday August 11th at 7:00 p.m.; Monday August 12th at 9:30 p.m.; Tuesday August 13th at 9:30 p.m.; and Wednesday August 14th at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $18.00 at the door and $15.00 for advance purchase. The running time is 2 hours. For more information about the show visit www.barcoderockmusical.com. For more information about the 17th Annual New York Fringe Festival visit www.FringeNYC.org.
Permalink | Posted by David Roberts on Sunday, August 11, 2013
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