Neither a revue nor a musical, Songs for a New World is a song cycle which treats the audience to an array of songs based on singular moments and split-second decisions we make. Its diversity of themes and emotions – ranging from love and freedom, to failed relationships and loss – offer a striking vision of a new world.

Upon entering the theatre, the audience finds itself privy to what appears to be an end-of-day rehearsal, with the stage lit, and the cast and band already present on stage. The show begins directly from this casual setting, and offers us glimpses into moments of creative inspiration as the players blur the boundaries between rehearsal and actual performance. The first few songs are dotted with giggles and comments by the players. Then, the atmosphere moves from ludic to poignant as the players start to unveil achingly personal songs.

With a piece like Songs for a New World, it is important to blend the songs seamlessly in order to maintain the abstract and spontaneous quality without becoming patchy. The director was prudent in creating a noticeable character arc for each of the players within the wide gamut of songs and themes covered.

Lauren Hutchinson, who sings about freedom and passion from the perspective of bored and trapped wives, brings passion and soul to her songs with her powerful voice and impressive vocal range. Her performance as Mrs. Claus, arguably the most entertaining scene, provoked laughter as she strutted around the stage singing comically about her failing relationship with Mr. Claus. Eavan Prenter sings about unrequited love, fear and faith in God. His arresting voice fills the songs with emotion, perfectly expressing their overriding feeling of loneliness. Sarah Mercer and Oli Macfarlane are presented as the couple who have separated painfully but then reunite. While Mercer delivers an evocative and passionate performance, Macfarlane, singing about the difficulties of understanding women, could have added more funk, and even swagger, to his performance.

The band is to be congratulated for their consistently strong performance of the multi-genre musical score. Josh Roberts also presents a polished piano performance throughout the piece; he leads with professionalism and flair the musical score which forms the backbone of Songs For A New World. Overall, the four players sing beautifully together with impressive harmonies. Songs For A New World presents a vocally demanding score and a difficult and unconventional plot, but these are challenges that the band and players rise to admirably.

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