ELEGIES: A SONG CYCLE run dates: 5/15/2008 - 5/24/2008 Riverbend Theatre Collective at the Village Theatre, Village of East Davenport ____________________________________________________________________________
The brand-spanking-new Riverbend Theatre Collective, which opened its very first show May 16, is a welcome addition to the varied and immensely talent-rich community of theater organizations in the Quad-Cities.
I say it is welcome indeed – and not because of the plan to produce intimate musicals and plays that aren’t already being offered in the region, though the additional diversity is a draw all its own. The huge welcome mat is on the floor because, based at least on the opening of its first show, the standard of quality for RTC is top of the line (and there can never be too much of that).
This new group has kicked off its first season with ELEGIES: A SONG CYCLE, William Finn’s varied collection of songs that pay tribute to friends and family who have passed on.
Despite its themes of loss and death, the songs range from boisterous or funny to sweet and heaped with longing. There are songs that inspire as well as entertain, pieces that will move almost anyone to tears, comedic story songs and so much more. Songs relate memories from childhood, turn bittersweet during numbers that acknowledge the toll of AIDS on the creative community, and show us the pain of an impending loss of a parent.
At the same time, these collected songs showcase fine acting and wonderful singing. They also do so in a wholly organic way, emphasizing how death and loss are woven into the fabric of everyday life.
Finn’s creations are character studies and memories that become fine gems in the hands of this mega-talented cast. A handful of singers present more than 20 pieces in about 90 minutes, and there isn’t a second of it I would trade for anything else.
Allison Collins-Elfline, the show’s vocal director and producer, lends a strong and often emotional voice to a number of songs, most especially the powerhouse "Anytime (I am there)," an anthem that says so much with simple words. Bryan Tank also lends his amazing voice and intense acting talents to background vocals and company numbers, but his endearing "Mister Choi and Madame G" is an early number that is among my favorites. Patrick Gimm (who was difficult to hear during some numbers opening night) does great work, especially with "Mark’s All-Male Thanksgiving."
Jackie Madunic really tears up some vocals in this show, too, delivering excellent dramatic and musical performances on "Only One" and "Infinite Joy" – though neither of these great songs hold a candle to her truly superb work on "14 Dwight Ave., Nantick, Mass." The best song in the show – hands down – this lovely piece about a mother with Alzheimer’s who takes a drive with her son is a five-hanky number that is fantastically done.
Dana Joel Nicholson is a standout (even in this crowd), and he earns every laugh during the comical "My Dogs," just two songs after he leads the great "Jack Eric Williams" tribute, with great-sounding backup from Tank and Gimm. Nicholson’s awesome work on "14 Dwight Ave., Nantick, Mass." (where he joins Madunic) transitions into the gorgeous "When the Earth stopped turning" with such an emotional moment that no one gets a chance to applaud her absolutely phenomenal performance, but his number is good enough that you end up being glad you didn’t miss a word. (We’re all too busy wiping tears and trying not to audibly choke up, so who could clap their hands anyway, right?)
Music director Robert Elfline plays every single note in the show, turning in what is simply a masterful performance – even if the singers get most of the attention. Esther Clement gives a nice, steady presence to her role as The Bartender, too, though she doesn’t sing or really have lines.
Collins-Elfline, who credits the entire cast as the show’s director, made a great choice in setting ELEGIES in a dimly-lit Manhattan bar (though some audience members may prefer the performers be in more light), and the relaxed setting allows the music to really shine.
If this small musical is any indication, the folks at Riverbend Theatre Collective will become one of the must-see performing arts organizations in the Quad-City Region. Don’t miss the chance to see their very first show.
