Theater Review: Eventide’s ‘Songs For A New World’ Is A Theatrical Adventure

 In her opening night speech, Eventide Theatre Company's new artistic director, Denise Page, spoke passionately about the excitement of beginning a new adventure. Her first Eventide project is Jason Robert Brown’s “Songs of a New World,” and that enthusiasm carries over into her direction and choreography of the production. 

 “Songs for a New World” is not a typical musical. Rather than following one plot, it presents a series of stories and vignettes connected by a common theme: the choices we make. The four talented actors — Gabriel Ferreira, Lauren Davis, Francesca Jannello and DJ Kostka — play different roles in each story in solos, duets and company numbers. In the Eventide Theatre's production, these strong performances, both vocal and acting, are complemented by detailed props and an inventive band creating an exhilarating experience for audiences. 

 The opening number “The New World” sets the tone that things can change suddenly and as a consequence choices must be made. That segues to the deck of a ship actually sailing for a new world in 1492, and from there we fast forward to a skyscraper where a woman (Davis) is desperately trying to get the attention of her husband. Davis’ animated singing (and that accent!) is a standout. 

The life stories move quickly from one to another, each emotional and easy to follow. A woman’s reflections on her past and present relationships (“I’m Not Afraid of Anything”), and then later the joy and wonder a woman feels when pregnant (“Christmas Lullaby’) were both captivating numbers by Jannello. 

 Kostka is fabulous as a man struggling with love found, love lost and love restored in three numbers (“She Cries,” “The World was Dancing” and “I’d Give it All for You”). Davis is assigned some of the most engaging numbers. We loved her in them all, especially “The Stars and the Moon" and the torch song parody number “Surabaya-Santa.” 

 Ferreira is the youngster in the group and handles all that's thrown his way with a joyous energy and a powerful elegance when required, particularly in “The Steam Train” and “King of the World.” 

 The final company numbers are powerful and very stirring. I’ll admit to choking up and wiping away a tear. 

 The band hidden behind a scrim is part of the show in more ways than one. They create some interesting sound effects and give a punch to some of the stories. Musical director Jeffrey Cutts is on the piano with Matt Brown on bass and Kyle Edwards having too much fun on the drums. 

 Kathi Hegner’s costume design added another engaging layer to each vignette, with remarkable details such as the team eagle on a cheerleader’s outfit, the button on Basketball Mom’s shirt, the Mrs. Claus costume and the colorful tracksuits. High five to the performers with the quick costume changes and the props carried in and out. Mark Bishop’s set balanced simplicity with specificity. Maeve Moriarty’s lighting, Adam Wannie’s sound and Priscilla Hurley’s props helped shape the production. Em Entwisle served as production coordinator, Vicki Marchant operated the lightboard and stage manager Andrea Molina Marin kept everything running smoothly. Together their work contributed to the production’s memorable experience. 

 The theater’s entrance is at the back of the Dennis Union Church with parking off Bass River Road. In the lobby be sure to stop at the table with the “ribbons of remembrance." A volunteer will help you there. The show is a little under two hours including the 10 minute intermission.