“Dust Can’t Kill Me” at FringeNYC 2014 at Theatre 80 (Closes on Saturday August 23, 2014)
“Dust Can’t Kill Me” at FringeNYC 2014 at Theatre 80 (Closes on Saturday August 23, 2014)
Book by Abigail Carney
Music and Lyrics by Elliah Heifetz
Directed by Jacob Osborne
Reviewed by Joseph Verlezza
Theatre Reviews Limited
The new musical “Dust Can’t Kill Me,” which is being presented as part of the NY International Fringe Festival, is a bit of folklore associated with the Dust Bowl in the Midwest during the depression. It is narrated by a storyteller who spins the tale of a motley group of farmers, wanderers, gamblers and outlaws drawn together by the promise of a prophet to guide them to a paradise, in the middle of the drought. They are strangers tied together by a dream to escape their catastrophic existence. It sounds interesting and viable but disintegrates when characters are not fully developed and do not move the plot forward. They lack drive and passion so the struggle seems inconsequential. When realizing that death is their salvation, one by one they give into the temptation and unfortunately that is what generates the plot. It is interspersed with plenty of musical numbers but they also fall short in contributing any information that would further the plot or define a character. There is no dramatic arc.
The music is mostly American folk and lends itself to the period and the location but quickly becomes superfluous, even though every effort is made instrumentally with acoustic guitar, an ample string section, and harmonica. The entire cast makes an admirable attempt to transcend the material and create a cohesive product; however this effort fails and the cast is left disjointed and unconnected. Perhaps one major problem is that the musical is bogged down with depression and hopelessness. There is absolutely nothing uplifting, bright, comedic or inspiring to invite the audience in. When there is no contrast the despair is not a catalyst but merely becomes the norm, producing no emotional connection.
DUST CAN’T KILL ME
“Dust Can’t Kill Me” is presented by Jonathan Lian in Association with The Present Company (Elena K Holy, Producing Artistic Director). Directed by Jacob Osborne. Music Directred, Arranged, and Orchestrated by Max Gordon. Choreographed by Claire Gassford.
The cast of “Dust Can’t Kill Me” includes Jamie Bogyo, Chris Camp, Paul Hinkes, Nathaniel Janis, Alyssa Miller, Michael Ruocco, and Lily Shoretz.
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 30 minutes with one 15 minute intermission.
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 | Permalink | Posted by David Roberts on Saturday, August 16, 2014 |
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