'Edges', a chamber musical in the off-off-Broadway tradition, (sometimes as here advertised as a 'song cycle'), is a new-to-me show which I understand is far more popular Stateside (where it was written by two 19-year olds in 2005), than on British shores. Originally written for just four performers (2 male and 2 female), the show is written in such a way as to make almost any number and combination of gender possible to participate - hence the idea of song cycle, over musical. In this production, presented by the third year students on the BA Vocal Studies And Performance course at The Arden in Manchester, it was sung by 9 talented females.
Directed by Ian Good, we were given a beach setting, with sand, a boardwalk, and a lighting design which complimented this Californian (one assumes) setting. A trio of instrumentalists played live on stage behind a fence dressed in Hawaiian T-shirts, making the music of this show sound absolutely superb. James Hall (MD) on keyboard, with Ben Knowles (bass) and Mike McKay (drums).
Other than that, the entire 70 minutes was in the hands of these 9 songstresses. The story (albeit a very tenuous one) was a High School reunion now they are all in their mid 20s. The songs take us through their insecurities, their angsts and hang-ups; their sexual exploits, their empty boasts, their actual or would-be lives, and above all their vulnerability in a world that they find difficulty in being at peace with. One of the songs in the show, which has become a stand-alone "hit" ('Be My Friend' - aka The Facebook Song) highlights this disassociation / disconnection with the real world with sharp accuracy.
It's a very enjoyable show, and these 9 young ladies worked extremely hard to try an inhabit the American-ladies-with-baggage necessary, and some came much closer than others. The 9 worked excellently as an ensemble however, and their harmonies were simply lush. Where their singing did falter somewhat was that occasionally there was a high soprano screech where the note wasn't properly covered or anticipated; and one or two of the solos were slightly flat. This was such a shame, but perhaps due to insufficient warming-up, since this was their first performance and it was an afternoon show.
A very enjoyable production overall, and very professionally produced, sung / performed by Georgia Skinner, Adelaide Waugh, Belle Craven, Ailbhe Cooke, Leah Fisher, Grace LaBrie, Naia Rayton, Emily Crook, and Daisy Lockley.
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 2.2.23
on - 2.2.23
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