Theater Thursday - Jasper in Deadland

 

What: Jasper in Deadland

Where: Available on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpqwF0Ej6I0&t=6414s

Who: Recommended for Ages 14 and Up

Jasper in Deadland, like the Tony-winning, Hadestown, is based on the duel myths of  Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades (although for some reason in this version he is known by the Roman name, Pluto) and Persephone. However, that basic premise is pretty much the only thing the two stories have in common. Jasper in Deadland is a much more contemporary story that revolves around two teenage best friends, Jasper and Agnes. When Agnes drowns, Jasper, much like Orpheus, follows her into the underworld to try and save her. In that sense, the two stories are very similar. However, the way the story develops in Jasper in Deadland, and how it resolves is completely different than in Hadestown. The latter is much more directly based on the mythical stories. 

The musical style of the two shows is very different as well. While Hadestown has more of a jazzy score, Jasper in Deadland is much more of a rock musical. Although not all of the songs are that memorable, there a couple of pretty songs especially the final number, One More Day of Snow. 

The current version of Jasper in Deadland was recorded during social distancing with all of the actors filmed at different times in separate locations. This is a pretty ambitious undertaking since the story involves a number of actors playing a variety of different characters. Many of the shows currently being presented online involve much smaller casts and/or fewer characters. With that in mind, the cast did a really nice job with the show although there were a few times when the actors seemed to be singing over the music. Also, Michael Taylor Robinson in the lead role of Jasper sounded a little weak in the opening number although his voice did get stronger as the show went on.  All in all, it was a well done production of what many consider an underrated show, and you might want to check out.

And that's our view. For more information or to watch go to  www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpqwF0Ej6I0&t=6414.

Tune in Sunday for this week's Sunday Scoop.