Reviewed by Stacey
The Mad Ones (formerly titled The Unauthorized Autobiography of Samantha Brown) is an intimate, haunting and heartfelt piece of contemporary theatre. Directed by Emily Susanne Loyd and designed by Reuben Speed, Bree Lowdermilk and Kait Kerrigan revisit the show as it begins its month-long run at The Other Palace.
 |
| Photo by Perro Loco Pro |
With a plethora of musicals focused on young adulthood, this show takes a refreshing approach by highlighting the complexities behind how trauma and loss can derail those crucial years. These concepts are presented through the show's often unreliable narrator, Samantha Brown (played by Dora Gee), a highschool valedictorian who is torn between the choice to follow the path expected of her or taking a leap into the unknown.
As Sam grapples with her future she is haunted by the past in the form of her rebellious best friend Kelly (played by Courtney Stapleton) who had unexpectedly died in a car related accident. The weight of Sam’s decisions are further enhanced by her relationship with her compassionate highschool sweetheart Adam (played by Gabriel Hinchcliffe) and her controlling mother Beverly (played by Thea Jo Wolfe).
The production makes a series of refreshing creative choices that really help to engage the audience. The musical is extremely tight, songs and scenes connecting so seamlessly the show only leaves room for applause at the end of each act. Another key creative choice stems from Sam occasionally making eye contact with the audience, adding to the overall immersion as she tells her story. The use of symbolism and foreshadowing is furthered by the use of repeated lines, staging and lighting throughout. Tying all these choices together is the production's abstract, nonlinear structure which helps to reflect Sam's fragmented state of mind as she works through the trauma, guilt and internal conflict.
This idea of fragmentation and recollection of memories is visually enhanced by a minimal yet effective set design. A movable prop car (with functioning headlights) remains on the stage with a backdrop of fragmented broken shards of glass - the lighting and haze seeping out between the cracks creating a disturbing atmosphere. Not only does this represent the car crash itself but Sam's mental state, the rest of the cast occasionally appearing within the fragments as they haunt her thoughts. Despite the small studio space and stage within The Other Palace, the set design is truly impressive and adds to the symbolic themes and disturbing nature of the show.
 |
| Photo by Perro Loco Pro |
Gee’s ability to navigate through the emotional complexities of Sam’s journey and sense of self after the loss of Kelly is captivating and nuanced. The range of her stellar vocals and acting capabilities really highlight the disjointed timeline and difference between memories and Sam’s denial and repressing of how events truly transpired. It truly feels like you seen an exploration of the 5 stages of grief within her performance with a raw and authentic sense of frustration at not only her own choices but the way pressure from others in her life have made her feel lost.
Stapleton gives a powerhouse performance as Kelly, filled to the brim with emotional depth, nuance, heartbreak and strength. You can see the extension of Sam's guilt, denial and resentment seep between the cracks of Kellys usually rambunctious free spirit. The balance of these contrasting elements truly showcases the extent of Stapletons talents. The audience can’t help but feel haunted by her as Sam does, her presence throughout the show shifting as Sam's memories and emotions do.
There is a tragic sense of irony as Kelly, who always aimed to live life to the fullest, is the one who's gone while Sam is left behind in a stagnant and broken state, part of her seemingly dying along with Kelly. This reflection of grief, survivor's guilt and the fragility of life is extremely powerful and authentic to the real impact of loss. The tragic friendship between the two is extremely believable throughout, the song’s “Freedom” and “Go Tonight” being poignant highlights within the show displaying the complexities of their bond and the impact of loss.
Hinchcliffe brings a warmth and refreshing lightness to the production, helping to balance out the weight of the themes and showcase the contrast between Sam’s relationships. Adams' awkward and gentle nature is portrayed with extreme attention to detail throughout with his physical mannerisms. Despite the differences between Adam and Kelly, the ways in which he provides comfort and escape to Sam create compelling parallels throughout. A highlight of Hinchcliffe's performance is his rendition of the popular and touching ballad “Run Away With Me”, bringing his vocal talent and abilities to the forefront and showcasing a vulnerability not yet seen by Adam thus far.
Jo-Wolfe captures the depth behind Beverly’s character in a way any mother in the audience can surely see themselves in. While her sharp recounting of statistics and strict expectations for Sam could have just been played for laughs, as the story develops you truly see her fear for her daughter's future and the deep love she has for her. Her performance of “Miles to Go” explores themes of womanhood and legacy in a raw and powerful manner with an equally powerful voice to convey the perseverance and strength of her words.
This talented four-person cast takes the material given and truly builds upon it within their performances. With continued refinement and perhaps experimentation with runtime there is surely miles to go for the show.
Given its themes surrounding mortality and time, as Kelly encourages Sam to soak the life out of every second it may encourage the audience to consider their own lives and relationships. This in itself is a sign of a truly impactful and powerful story and message.
The Mad Ones truly reminds us that the path ahead is unwritten and that as long as one keeps moving forward sometimes all you can do is press on the pedal and see where the road takes you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Mad Ones plays at The Other Palace (Studio) until 1 June. Tickets are available from https://theotherpalace.co.uk/the-mad-ones/
 |
| Photo by Perro Loco Pro |
Post a Comment