First Public Workshop of The Penumbra
I know it’s not quite ethical to review a work in progress, so I’m just sharing my thoughts here.
It’s mystical, it’s mythical, it’s a complex family drama and a coming-of-age story all in one and it is wonderfully entertaining and thought provoking. It was an honor to be at the first public workshop of this beautifully woven musical with a book by Lauren LeBlanc and music and lyrics by Ian Ferguson. By intermission I knew I was watching a musical that will appeal to adolescents and adults and that its reach is going to extend far beyond this initial presentation at the Bath House Cultural Center.
The story centers around a family impacted by the mysterious disappearances of young women in the small town of Mt Holly. The family runs a new age sort of shop in the town, and they are no strangers to mysticism. Josie Wood, the youngest of the two daughters in the family, takes matters in hand, and, with the help of her friend Astrid, seeks to find the answer to the vanishing women. The answer lies in The Penumbra an eerie, haunting threatening nether world overseen by the evil Kona.
I’m not going to reveal more than that but trust me that this musical will engross and move you. LeBlanc’s story travels flawlessly between realms and Ian Ferguson’s music and lyrics takes the story to the next level by having characters share their thoughts through songs that are disarmingly beautiful. Music Director Cody Dry and Associate Music Director Scott Eckert, with only four days of rehearsal, have the cast and musicians sounding amazing and the lush sounds of the strings had me spellbound. Director Sasha Maya Ada’s skillful blocking was an asset to the plot and had a sort of magic of its own with its perfectly timed movements.
Some of DFW’s top talent are in the cast including Finlay Stevenson, Aubrey Ferguson, Gideon Ethridge, and the incredible Denise Lee whose ballad about her character’s late husband “Are You Safe? Are You Happy?” had me in tears. Ian Ferguson’s lyrics are gentle and powerful simultaneously.
The young cast includes Sydnie Roy as Callie the older sister. Her lovely voice and presence made me look forward to her every scene.
Leading the cast as Josie is the superb Maddie Sandock with her outstanding vocals and stage filling charisma. And when Josie is joined by the fabulous Libby Serber, one of the most appealing young actor/singers I’ve seen in a long time, as Astrid, they create an unforgettable teenage duo. Their scenes together were my favorite in the play as they slay Lauren LeBlanc’s terrific dialogue..
The entire cast of The Penumbra is superb.
OK, I’m getting too reviewish here, so I’ll stop. I would put money on The Penumbra becoming a successful musical and I would not be surprised to see it become a film as it has a cinematic quality and its teen heroine would appeal to many young people.
You have one more chance to see The Penumbra workshop tonight Thursday August 21 at 7:30 at the Bath House Cultural Center. I would cancel plans to go and be there at the beginning of this fascinating new musical’s journey.
