A musical theater reviewer’s job is not to evaluate a written script and score for a show, but how that script and score have been interpreted and communicated to an audience. I went to see Carson McCullers Talks About Love, a new Off-Broadway musical, written and performed by Suzanne Vega. My biggest problem with the show was one that I rarely encounter in professional theater: too often, when Vega was singing, I simply could not understand what she was saying. Perhaps she was not articulating clearly enough; perhaps the musicians were getting too loud for her voice; but I couldn’t always make out the words. I had no difficulty understanding her in her spoken monologues between numbers, which intrigued me. But when she sang, too often her message was not communicated. Vega’s bio in the program notes her accomplishments as a singer/songwriter and recording/concert artist; it does not mention any previous theater experience. Plenty of concert artists can communicate emotions successfully without always articulating clearly. But in a musical play about a writer who was quite particular about her words, it is essential that the audience can understand every word. I enjoyed some of this musical play. Vega has stage presence. She looks like McCullers and she created a vivid characterization, as she recalled McCullers’ love for both men and women. The musicians, Joe Iconis and Andy Stack, played wonderfully—a joy to hear. And I liked those songs by Vega (and Duncan Sheik) I could hear clearly. But, ultimately, I'm disappointed in both Vega and her director, Kay Matschullat. If a story is not communicated clearly, the story is not being told.
Chip Deffaa
Cabaret Scenes
May 20, 2011
www.cabaretscenes.org
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