Songs for a New World is a series of songs by Jason Robert Brown each telling a different story. Though there is no definite storyline, the songs tie together with a theme of American life and experiences. The cast of two women (this performance, alpha order: Aly Challoner & Catherine Jack) and two men (Michael Hailes & Michael Slater) play all the different characters.

The set consists solely of a raised platform, centre stage, draped in white cloth surrounded by cardboard boxes. The set functions at times as different locations: a ship in On the Deck of a Spanish Sailing Ship, 1492, and a balcony at the top of a building in Just One Step. But the set is not utilised nearly enough, and most of the time it appears to be in the way and superfluous rather than part of the production.

The four actors are all dressed in neutral everyday clothing, mainly blacks and whites, with only a few props and very little additional costume. This leaves them with the job of creating the different characters through their acting and singing - which they achieve with varying degrees of success.

At times the actors come across as seeming too young, making it difficult to believe in the reality of particular characters. For instance Michael Slater is far less convincing as a drunk in The River Won't Flow than as a college student in The World Was Dancing - performed with conviction and charm. Catherine Jack delivers fine comic skills and timing in her solo pieces Just One Step and Surabaya Baby. Michael Hailes struggles with the comedy of The Steam Train, but gives a passionate and energetic performance in King of The World. The cast sing competently, especially Michael Slater with a resonating and captivating voice; though Michael Hailes's singing seems a bit strained and forced at times. Both Catherine Jack and Aly Challoner struggle at times with articulation, making it difficult to hear everything that is sung.

The four-piece band - (alpha order) David Furey (synthesiser), Mark Knight (drums), Michael Monument or Chris Donald (bass), Gavin Whitworth (piano) - is skilled and professional but is kept offstage; a shame considering the sparse set. Lighting is used successfully to create different moods, but blackouts following each song underline the lack of a storyline rather than tying the songs together. This contributes further to breaking up the flow of an inconsistent performance.

Cast Credits: Performers (alpha order): Aly Challoner. Ellie Cox (not this performance). Michael Hailes. Catherine Jack. Michael Slater. Band (alpha order): Synthesiser - David Furey. Drums - Mark Knight. Bass - Michael Monument or Chris Donald. Piano - Gavin Whitworth.

Company Credits: Music & Lyrics - Jason Robert Brown. Director - Neil Arden & Sarah Betteridge. Musical Director - Gavin Whitworth. Technical Director - Peter Harbottle. Stage Manager - Deborah Sharpe. Producer - Bryony Davies. Company - Rubber Duck Theatre. Website - www.rubberducktheatre.co.uk.

END

(c) Trine Garrett 2008

reviewed Monday 18 Aug 08 / C too, Edinburgh

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com