The Wake

Sometimes life can be a little pastiche. That is to say, there are so many different things going on that they seem random, or unrelated. According to the late American playwright Arthur Miller, “…theater is so endlessly fascinating because it’s so accidental. It’s so much like life.” And so it is. Jason Robert Brown clearly reflects the seemingly disjoint aspects of everyday life in “Songs for a New World,” a musical made up of 16 different songs, each of which stands alone as its own story. To Nicky Fritz, this sounded like a challenge she was willing to take.

Fritz is the artistic director of Crisis Point, an entirely student run theater group based right here on campus. Currently in her third year at the U, Fritz began working with Crisis Point last year as an archivist. In addition to being Crisis Point’s artistic director this year she is directing “Songs for a New World.”

When Fritz selected the show she was already very familiar with the music. While attending Trollwood Performing Art School, each student in the class was given a piece from “Songs” as a solo.

“I thought it was brilliant and challenging music,” Fritz says, and seemingly everyone agreed.

Many more people auditioned than anticipated, and Fritz expanded the original cast of four to ten members—five males and five females. The cast ranges from freshmen to seniors; for some this is their first time being involved in this type of production, while others are seasoned performers.

The University theater department’s decision to put on a musical only every two years also contributed to her reasons for selecting this show.

“I get so frustrated,” Fritz says, “I wish there were more opportunities for singers like myself and other students.” Crisis Point provides many opportunities for students—and not just actors, either, with students also providing the music, makeup, costuming, and set construction.

Though all of these roles are challenging, the actors have their work cut out for them. Not only are the songs unrelated but also there is no spoken dialogue in this performance and the vocal parts are widely regarded as being extremely demanding.

“I think it’s a great opportunity,” says cast member Kelsey Dahlquist. “Usually you’ve only got your one character that you get to explore.” Because the production is simply a collection of 16 different songs, there is a little something for everyone, and all are executed proficiently.

“We’re having a great time. It’s a great show,” Snortland says.

The performances will be held at the Old Arizona Theater in Downtown Minneapolis February 22-24 at 8pm. Tickets are $5 for students, $7 for public. For more information visit http://www.oldarizona.com, or for reservations send an email to: .