By Eva Trieger in Carlsbad, California
Talmudic scholars have long explored the relationship between the individual and his community. Rav Soloveitchik and Rabbi Chayyim Ibn Attar have examined the integrated roles of each, and argue that, in Judaism, we require both entities. Each person is unique and the collaboration of so many distinctive souls is what creates the vibrant tapestry of society. And yet, what happens when uniformity and sameness obliterate self-expression?
We Will Rock You at New Village Arts, introduces audiences to the future world of Globalsoft, a monochromatic society ruled by Killer Queen (Samy Berman). This technology-driven world has erased history, including the history of rock and roll in an attempt to brainwash its citizens.
Enter the Bohemians, led by a young dreamer, Galileo (Cooper Orio). “Gas” as he’s called by his chick (!) Scaramouche (Sarah Ledesma), begins a hero’s journey, attempting to unearth the history of the world before this algorithmic domination. Finding others who are not drinking the Kook-Aid, the pair join up with other rebels.
These others, led by Britney Spears (Osvaldo Mendoza) and Buddy Holly (Juwan Stanford), must overcome the wicked wiles of Khashoggi (Audrey Ward) and the Killer Queen, along with a couple of other Bohemians, Oz (Gaby Ritter) and Madonna (also Audrey Ward). All of the other kids who’ve become devotees of the Killer Queen are addicted to their cell phones, screens and completely controlled by the vapid world of conformity.
First premiering at London’s West End in 2002, We Will Rock You, initially seemed unfathomable in its dystopian presentation. The prescient show mimics today’s reality! Society so often wants to control the masses through fear and social media. Our schoolchildren today have fallen prey to Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok. It seems that standing out from the crowd is not desirable, but scornworthy.
The message the show imparts is this: together we can conquer our common enemies, but we must “fight for something greater than” ourselves. Just as the musical group Queen was unique in its musical genre, a rara avis, so too must individuals demonstrate courage and fortitude to bring their message to the fore. Director, Sheldon Gomabon says that, “the greatest act of rebellion is simply to be yourself.”
It seemed that audience members were familiar with the 23 musical numbers, and each song was met by thunderous applause and cheering (foot stomping and clapping). Tapping local saxophonist and vocalist Chris Gross as the voice of Freddy Mercury provided authenticity and electricity to the already kinetic show. Musical Director, (and Gross’ wife!) Erin Vanderhyde Gross did a fine job, as did Erica Kahn, choreographer.
Dances were creative, energetic and memorable. Costumes were clever and funky and defined the rebellious generation as well as the futuristic disciples, thanks to Maricela Alaniz.
Just as we count a half-shekel, affirming the importance of the individual, we move forward and progress as a community, made up of uniquely valuable and creative people whose combined ideas and efforts benefit all of us while recognizing each person’s strength.
We Will Rock You runs through Sept. 20th.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.newvillagearts.org or by phone at 760.433.3245
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Eva Trieger is a freelancer specializing in the coverage of the arts.