The Y2K Black Death Oratorio

Now-famous composer Arnold returns to his parish church, interrupting a choral rehearsal he wishes to see go in a … interesting … new direction, resulting in humorous tension between him and choir director Lillian. The question is, who do you side with? Traditional Lillian, or Arnold who believes if you “lead your audience, they will follow; pander and be forgotten”?  What works here is the singers’ timing and talent; within this show there is some transcendently beautiful music and genuine laughs. However, the dialogue (projected on dual screens, allowing the audience to read lyrics with the music) did not always synchronize with the performers, and the abrupt start of the play felt confusing at first, preventing a strong attachment to the conflict or characters. The final act of this play is gorgeous and endearing, but is still not quite enough to give this production a strong, polished overall feel. —Miya Abe