White Rose Musical - Off Broadway

[PanFan21]

Posted: 1/28/24 at 1:15am

An ambitious debut from first time librettist Brian Belding and first time composer Natalie Brice, under the direction of the brilliant Will Nunziata, "White Rose: The Musical" is more than a work of theatre; it is a call to action, an inspiring tale about what can be possible if we do not allow ourselves to become complacent or apathetic in the face of oppression and injustice.

The musical relays the story of the White Rose, a group of students in Nazi Germany who risked their lives to take a stand and expose Hitler's lies through anonymously-penned leaflets. Featuring powerful songs beautifully arranged and conducted by Sheela Ramesh, the music of the show helps to convey the angst and emotion in the struggle the characters are undertaking, and the harmonies found in the group numbers are just stunning.

A few performance highlights:

Arguably the most recognizable cast members are Jo Ellen Pellman (The Prom) and Paolo Montalban (Cinderella). Pellman brings a similar grit and optimism to Sophie that she brought to Emma, and Montalban's portrayal of Huber is quite endearing. Mike Cefalo, who recently made his Broadway debut in "New York, New York," will bring you to tears with his voice-breaking soliloquies as Hans. Fans of the recent revival of "Into the Woods" will love seeing the reunion of Jack and Milky White, as Cole Thompson and Kennedy Kanagawa share the stage once again. Sam Gravitte ("Wicked") and Laura Sky Herman ("The Little Dancer") each offer an important layer to the narrative, as complex characters Frederick and Lila, who are both directly impacted by the actions of the White Rose.

Overall, there is an intentionality toward showcasing both the micro and the macro effects of this group of young resisters, one which blurs the lines between the fictional storyworld on stage and the real world we live in today. And, in the end, the show leaves its audience wanting to take up the banner and honor the legacy of the White Rose in our own way. It's a rousing and uplifting piece of art whose message of hope and resistance will resonate long after the final verse is sung. And with antisemitism, transphobia, xenophobia, racism, and so many other forms of intolerance on the rise, our world can really use that kind of galvanizing message.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 1/28/24 at 6:30am

Thanks for joining today to shrill away. Kudos on the gig handling their social media. Just a note, always create your platform account at least 3-4 weeks prior to your intended post. Shrilling and posting on the same day you create your account makes your obvious intentions transparent and you’ll get snarky comments like mine here. You can do better if you don’t half-ass your approach. 

[Impeach2017]

Posted: 1/28/24 at 6:39am

you've been a busy little bee today!  The work sounds very interesting, though.

[BalconyClub]

Posted: 1/28/24 at 7:21am

Today’s Wordle is SHILL

[Dylan Smith4]

Posted: 1/28/24 at 8:05am

Please post your thoughts on the thread that was already created. We do not need two threads of the same topic. 

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.php?thread=1158395