Cappies Review: A 16 Bar Cut

By Charis Conwell of West Potomac High School

Gilbert and Sullivan. Vaudeville. Operetta. Cohan. George Gershwin. Show Boat. The George White Scandals. Broadway. Athens. The Golden Age. These people, places, and things are all essential aspects to the rich history of one of the world's oldest and ever-evolving art forms- Musical Theatre. Who exactly were these people? Why were they in those places, and what things did they do? Maybe you know part of the story, and maybe you know the whole story. Maybe you've never seen a musical in your life! Whatever your relationship with musical theater is, it's always a good time to start. Why not start at the very beginning?

A 16 Bar Cut: The History of American Musical Theater is exactly what it sounds like- an original play that irreverently explores the history of American musical theater, from wailing greeks to theater geeks. Though such a niche and experimental show may seem out of place on a high school stage, Northwood High School in Silver Spring, Maryland has taken on the challenge and produced a show that is as entertaining as it is educational. The senior thesis of once-student Patrick John Moran, A 16 Bar Cut chronologically lays out musical theater's past, present, and future in America through narration, skits, and song and dance sequences, performed by a small cast of nine actors. Each of these rising stars are equipped with their own specialties and talents and, as theater's timeline (or "chorus line", as the show would have it) unfolds, each cast member is given the opportunity to show what they can do.

Though the show's tone is consistently one of humor, one "Dynamic Duo" stands out amongst others as examples of high energy, physicality, and good comedic timing. Charlie Kretkowski and Mirsa Oporta Hernandez, whether they are rushing through an abridged version of the golden-age classic, Oklahoma, or inviting audience members to participate in a spur-of-the-moment game show, keep the laughs coming. They do so by not only reciting jokes that are embedded in the script but by making conscious choices that enhance the viewing experience for the audience.

Of course, an essential feature of the modern musical is just that- the music! And Northwood High delivers. Of the many acts, skits, and spectacles present in the show, music and song are the most present, and the best executed. Raymond Ingram and Sophia Willis, especially, demonstrate consistent vocal clarity, range, and overall ability during the production. Sophia, a soprano, avoids many of the weaknesses that can be found in a soprano voice, especially at the high school level. She is on pitch without exception, clear and smooth tonally, and always understandable (impressive, when you are performing an operetta history based parody of "Modern Major General"). Raymond Ingram also shines, with a modern-sounding and very fluid tenor. Reimagining theater staples like RENT's "I'll Cover You" is never easy, but Raymond enjoys himself on the stage, drawing audiences in and making high notes and complicated riffs look easy.

A 16 Bar Cut is a show unlike any that you have seen before. Packed with allusions to theater, and performed by spunky, promising students, the show appeals to both thespians and the casual audience member, and, rather than leaving aforementioned audience reflecting on theater's past, causes them to wonder about theater's future.