An interesting and enjoyable new musical
Perfect Children
(2006)
Pine Crest School
Church Hill Theatre, 18 Aug 12:15, 19 Aug 20:15, 20 Aug 10:15, 23 Aug 16:15 (1h25)
It is the school year 2506-7 at Apple Valley Preparatory School. The graduation class is almost perfect, the product of centuries of genetic engineering. Will the arrival of the new headmistress, the mysterious Miss Lucy Michaels, and her two assistants, hold the secret to the final step? What is the price of perfection?
This production, a musical with elements of ballet integrated into it, was written specially for the Fringe, by the director and students at Pine Crest School in Florida. The requirements, all of which were successfully met, were that it should be less than ninety minutes long, be easily transportable, have roles for dancers, musicians and actors and have only two males in the cast.
The year 2507 is to be the culmination of a million years’ striving for perfection. Most children are girls, genetically engineered from carefully selected genes (often famous writers, philosophers and musicians). The new headmistress is trying to ensure that the graduation class will be absolutely perfect. Opposing her is a mysterious gardener, who seems to believe in variety and free will, but doesn’t take any direct action to achieve his aims, preferring to influence the students indirectly. Into the graduating class come two new students, Alan and Elle, both orphans and ‘naturals’, that is not genetically engineered. What effect will they have on Miss Lucy’s and the gardener’s plans?
This is a very unusual and interesting production. It is futuristic but references old myths of angels and devils. Do Alan and Elle in some way represent Adam and Eve? The singing and dancing is of a very high standard throughout. Isaac Wenger (Alan) has a difficult role as the only boy in the school but carries it off well through his engaging stage presence and good singing and dancing. Worth the trip to Morningside.
[Alan Chorley]
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