6 – a new musical continues at theSpace on North Bridge, Edinburgh
6 – a new musical continues at theSpace on North Bridge until 23 August.
Composer/lyricist Zack Zadek joined a packed audience for the first night of his show’s run in Edinburgh. This production of 6 – a new musical impresses: the vocals, direction and pace of the new work are a delight to see. Six individual people, all in their twenties, state their aspirations and convey the ‘loneliness in a big city syndrome’ from the outset.
The show’s originality in its storytelling is rooted in the diversity of the six people we meet; the interlinking of some of their lives and the ultimate hope in the conclusion of the show is cleverly plotted. The musical score matches the rhythms and variations for each character perfectly. The lyrics are often unexpected, keeping the audience tuned in to listen carefully to every word.
Matt Harrison’s direction is assured and inventive: the use of wheeled suitcases and a ladder to adapt into all the set requirements gives a sense of motion even in stillness. The ensemble work by the company sets the pace and direct address to the audience from the outset. As the piece develops, there is clever positioning to indicate when the cast ‘become invisible’ whilst being present.
Patrick Stockbridge’s musical direction matches the staging – tempo, engagement and listening to the performers is evident in every beat. Every member of the company has an excellent voice and each have their shining moment.
It is evident that the show has been cut a great deal to fit this time slot, but the cuts are made with a stethoscope in the other hand to make sure the life is still beating. The concluding segment with Hannah (an adopted child beautifully conveyed in puppetry) seems to rush up to us, but the sense of one person’s child being everyone’s child leaves a sense of hope that is genuinely heartfelt at the close of the piece.
There are a few technical issues in this venue, but the company deals with them as professionally as they can and I feel sure that this piece will go on to bigger things.
Fiona Orr
* TwentySomething Productions
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/6-a-new-musical
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