Arts & Entertainment
Review: 'The Theory of Relativity' at Seymour High School
A new chamber musical is produced for the first time by a high school in CT on the Seymour HS stage and I was invited to opening night.
“I’m nothing without you…”
Seymour, CT - ‘The Theory of Relativity’ is a relatively new chamber musical with lyrics and music by Neil Bartram and book by Brian Hill (‘The Story of My Life’) that was developed at the Canadian Music Theatre Project at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario. It was originally produced by Goodspeed Musicals in East Haddam CT last year, but I was not invited because the press is not allowed to write reviews of the productions that are workshopped at the Norma Terris stage two. Seymour HS is the first high school in Connecticut to launch a production of this unconventional musical drama that explores the interconnectedness of all people.
If the destination is expected and explained rather quickly in the penultimate number, the journey we take with the authentic millennials is an interesting one as they experience “the joys and heartbreaks, the liaisons and losses, the inevitability and the wonder of human connection.” It is all very real-life and the fine musical numbers in a variety of styles moves the show along well. This fresh contemporary musical is offered as the perfect choice for college theatre programs and a couple of PG themes/language could possibly have offended some high school parents, but I was glad to have the opportunity to experience this new work.
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CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE REVIEW ON ONSTAGE
The auditorium of Seymour HS is pretty standard, but the students brought lots of light to their stage. Mr. Schneider gave a most comprehensive curtain speech about proper theatre behavior before the show began that included an offer to share photos of the cast. I could not figure out how one gentleman across the aisle from me snored loudly during later parts of a 70-minute production, especially one with some great ensemble pieces. Thank you to Seymour High for inviting me to their opening night and kudos to the students and the adults who work with them on a fine contemporary production.
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Nancy Sasso Janis is one of the newest members of the Connecticut Critics Circle and will continue to contribute to OnStage blog.
