“Generation ME: the Musical” at FringeNYC 2014 at The Sheen Center (Closes on Sunday August 17, 2014)
Photo by Colleen O'Donnell
“Generation ME: the Musical” at FringeNYC 2014 at The Sheen Center (Closes on Sunday August 17, 2014) Book and Lyrics by Julie Soto Music by Will Finan Directed by Ryan Warren Reviewed by Joseph Verlezza Theatre Reviews Limited
“Generation ME” a new musical presented by Flying Monkey Productions as part of the NY International Fringe Festival might have been conceived with admirable intent but the result is less than what should be expected when dealing with such fragile subject matter. Unfamiliar with this west coast company, a note in the executive director Ryan Warren’s bio (also the director and contributing story writer) states the principles of the company create an environment where students and young adults can practice their art in a safe constructive space, and this should be commended. However the accolades stop there unless credit is given to an audience for enduring the insipid two hour and forty five minute performance plagued with faulty mikes and feedback eruptions.
The musical takes place in high school utopia, where there are absolutely no authoritative figures visible to enforce any type of consequence for disruptive behavior. No wonder this group of forlorn youth is in despair and thinks that a typical fist fight brawl in a school hallway is acceptable and a good way to release some pent up anger and energy. Or perhaps the absolutely ridiculously staged food fight at the end of the first act could supplement their need for indulgent activity, with the only consequence afforded is a twenty minute intermission to mop and clean the stage.
The music is unremarkable but could at least be heard, unlike most of the dialogue and lyrics which were lost either from poor projection or faulty mikes. The subject matter was more than valid but less than executed. It was put on exhibition for the audience to view, but there was no resolution. Not only were characters undeveloped they did not progress or grow from the situations they incurred. Everyone expresses grief at a memorial service but that does in no way constitute change or resolution. This production needs to dig a little deeper in order to nurture the “Me Generation.” This generation is certainly crying out for help and they need to be given hope, not just a reminder of who they are.
GENERATION ME: THE MUSICAL
“Generation ME: the Musical” is presented by Julie Soto, Will Finan, and Ryan Warren in Association with Flying Monkey Productions and The Present Company (Elena K Holy, Producing Artistic Director). Directed by Ryan Warren. Choreographed by Monika Joyce Neal. Production Photos by Colleen O’Donnell.
For performance schedule, ticketing information and more information about the presenting company, please visit www.FringeNYC.org. For mobile ticketing, please visit www.FringeonTheFly.com. The running time is 2 hours and 45 minutes with one 15 minute intermission.
Permalink | Posted by David Roberts on Monday, August 11, 2014
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