More Theater Monday - Rewind and Retraction

We were given complimentary tickets to Rewind for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own. 

What: Rewind

Where: Theatre Row

             410 W. 42nd St.

             New York, NY

When: This event was part of the recently concluded CreateTheatre New Works Festival.

Rewind is the story of Nigel, a record executive who is prevented from entering heaven until he goes back to the earth and sets right a wrong by helping a talented female singer, Gina,  whose career he ruined. For some reason, however,  he is not sent back to the present time, nor is he sent back to the time when the wrong actually occurred but he is sent back to the 1980s when the woman he wronged has already been wasting her life not doing what she really loves for a while. This is only the first aspect of the plot that doesn't make sense. 

 The time travel aspect of the plot is not really used as well as it could be either.  The main things that remind you are back in the 80s are one character's clothing and a bunch of Madonna references. Also, there is one hippyish character who seems like he belongs back in the 60s or 70s and not the 80s at all which makes it even more confusing.

There is also one very disturbing aspect of the plot. What occurred between Nigel and Gina in the past, the event that set the plot in motion, could actually be considered criminal on his part. It's hard to get past that. 

The most interesting aspect of the show involves a mother/daughter reunion. This part of the story is very touching but feels rushed. If this angle of the plot was developed into a whole musical on its own, it could potentially be a very heartwarming and exciting new musical.

This is not to say that there is nothing likable about the show in its current state. By far, the highlight of this musical is the songs. Although it seems like this show would be the perfect vehicle for showcasing 80s pop hits, the songs are all entirely new and were written for this musical. They are mostly fun, and catchy.  The songwriters do a good job of recreating the 80s pop sound in their songs. Accordingly, If you are looking for a show full of diverting faux 80s pop hits, you may enjoy this one.

XXX

We were given free tickets to Retraction for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: Retraction

Where: Theatre Row

             410 W. 42nd St.

             New York, NY

When: This event was part of the recently concluded CreateTheatre New Works Festival.

Retraction was the only show in the CreateTheatre New Works Festival that was not a musical. It is the story of a journalist who published a story about an alleged gang rape at a college fraternity. However, it turns out that the event may never have occurred.  This gripping drama was adapted from true events. It deals with a lot of important topics including journalistic integrity and how false allegations of rape can harm people who actually were victims of this heinous crime.

This story is very well written and the characters are interesting. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and interested for the duration of the show. It is definitely a good choice for those who don't like their theater light and breezy but prefer shows that explore relevant issues and make them think about difficult topics.  It was definitely the highlight of the recently concluded CreateTheatre New Works Festival. 

And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.