Previously, I had the privilege of seeing one of Aaron Lee Lambert’s most memorable musicals, "From Up Here", performed with flair at the Digital Theatre from the comfort of my own home. At first glance, this performance space looked more like a bridge with an underpass that transforms into the city of New York.
Fresh, contemporary score with likable characters.
The fresh and contemporary score to a total of sixteen songs, written and composed by Aaron Lee Lambert, who has created a new British musical that draws influences from Adam Guettel and Jason Robert Brown.
The songs and performance are excellent. The melody is original and memorable. The performers have an impressive vocal tone and put real emotion into the lyrics. The lyrics are inspiring and meaningful with some thought-provoking punch lines. Instrumentally, the songs have a smooth, varied accompaniment that is beautifully orchestrated to fit the mood of the characters. Fluent saxophone solo too, although I think the piece that spoke the most was the piano and violins. The performance quality is vibrant throughout, as the vocals are full of confidence and brilliant instrumentally. Overall, the songs are creative and heartfelt, but the one that was favorable for me would be the reprised "From Up Here" theme song.
Inside the extraordinary set, a talented and professional cast of actors play. At the play’s start, on a peaceful night that would be a breath of fresh air for anyone after a hard day of work to enjoy. High above the bustle of the city, five strangers. Emily (Leila Benn Harris), Henry (Tony Kempy), Jill (Lisa Kerr), Dan (Tommy Sherlock), and Alan (Russell Walker) find solace from the pain of life on the Brooklyn Bridge that is suspended between who they were and what they might become.
They may be worlds apart, but over the course of one year, the threads of their lives intertwine. While Dan's camera captures the lives and perspectives of these five strangers on the bridge, as the audience can see a new view of reality.
After the play had finished, the play moved me to a standing ovation at curtain call as I felt cinematic aspiration.
Through the character strengths and virtues that were on display by each character. Like perspective, wisdom, knowledge, curiosity, creativity, love of learning, courage, bravery, perseverance, honesty, humanity, love, kindness, social intelligence, leadership, fairness, temperance, forgiveness, prudence, transcendence, appreciation of beauty & excellence, gratitude, hope, humor, and spirituality.
Each actor is worth noting and stands out standouts on their own. Leila Benn Harris as Emily, Tony Kempy as Henry, Lisa Kerr as Jill, Tommy Sherlock as Dan, and Russell Walker as Alan - all gave a believable performance. The comedic character of the play was mostly Alan (Russell Walker), who was really laugh-a-minute and superb in his work.
Nevertheless, all of the actors gave a spotless as they developed new work with excellent acting chops.
A brilliant, mind-blowing production.
Produced by Perfect Pitch and filmed by UnveilArts, Director Luke Sheppard has put together an awe-inspiring masterpiece with smooth light changes, a perspicuous vision, and a harmony that brought it all together. Overall, the production was like a colorful guffawing diamond of brilliant cut. No actor was distracting during another actor's performance, and they all fully transformed into their character.
In addition, the lighting design was creative and the costume design somewhat flamboyant in style. I can only describe the lighting as being a dark blue mood lighting, with a mixture of light and dark elements that led the audience right into the world of the characters.
The costumes suit each character's lifestyle — on fleek, fashionable, varied — and everything coordinate with a modern time period.
I urge you to go see this production. At this time of year, only the Digital Theater might be putting on this show, but there could be some small theaters or high schools out there that are putting on the show. Otherwise, if you want to have a good laugh in the midst of your own hustle. While being drawn up to a bridge in New York City to see a new perspective on reality, then go online and support this vigorous ensemble!
The show "From Up Here" runs throughout the week - at any given time - for the cost of $2.99 to rent or $6.99 to buy in digital format. While the play is also available to read, as you can purchase the script version from the Samuel French company. If you would like more information for seeing the show, please visit the Digital Theater website.
