A Dystopian Future Not Too Far From Reality
From the West End to Carlsbad! As I was doing my research, dear reader, I did not know that this musical was over there for 12 years! Wow!
With songs from the legendary British rock band Queen, We Will Rock You is set in the future (not too distant a future), where the youth are even more consumed by screens, approval via socials, and, of course, the likes. Earth is renamed iPlanet, run by the Globalsoft Corporation and the ruthless Killer Queen (Samy Berman). Live instruments are outlawed, and rock music is forgotten. Galileo (Cooper Orio), a young rebel, has dreams about music, lyrics, and odd words. He is immediately targeted by the corporation, along with Scaramouche (Sarah Ledesma), because she dresses differently than the rest. As they get to know each other and their similarities, the duo stumbles upon a group of outcasts called the Bohemians, each named after pop and rock celebrities. The group nicknames Galileo “the dreamer,” and the task is to find the electric guitar to bring back rock and roll.
Ben Elton wrote the story and script, and, to me, the beginning was truly an authentic look into the future. Maybe not all controlled by one corporation (maybe), but the rest seemed pretty plausible. Erica Kahn’s choreography softened the initial shock with a futuristic feel and a grunge vibe.
The dialogue has interwoven lyrics and song titles, which makes it fun and scavenger-hunt-ish. Jesus Hurtado’s minimal set design featured white panels housing various projections, accompanied by Jaeonnie Davis-Crawford’s props for the Bohemians’ setting, including relics such as a TV set and VHS tapes, among other marvels. Stephanie Ma’alona’s lighting sharply marked the transitions among the queen, the corporation, and the Bohemians, hand in hand with Mahlick Ceesay’s sound.
Under the musical direction of Erin Vanderhyde-Gross, the young cast, mostly NVA debuts with some professional debuts, showed strong vocals and good chemistry. Ledesma performed mean renditions, like “Somebody to Love” and “Who Wants to Live Forever,” accompanied by Orio. Gaby Ritter as Oz was charming and captivating, and meshed with Osvaldo Mendoza as Brit, who literally “got a kick” out of a move he kept doing and was an audience favorite. Juwan Stanford as Buddy displayed the moves and the sass.
Samy Berman was fearless as the evil queen, and Maricela Alaniz’s costume choices for that role were my favorite, using leather, sheer tops, and high heels. The rest of the ensembles were colorful and creative as well, with cargo pants, denim skirts, glittery tennis shoes (yes please) meshed with urban looks for the men. It was great to see Audrey Ward back on stage in the role of Khashoggi, the queen’s sidekick. Ward delivered a joyful interpretation and was fun to watch.
Sheldon Gamabon’s direction had the ensemble working in unison, and these iconic songs were definitely enjoyed through the different interpretations. The pace and stamina would have benefited from an added umph and maybe a more direct interaction with the audience.
Holden Fox is the Stage Manager for this production.
We Will Rock You is currently playing until September 20.
