‘Songs for a New World’ @ WaterTower Theatre
Photos courtesy of WaterTower Theatre
—Carol M. Rice
I have a been a huge fan of Jason Robert Brown since the first song of his I heard. I honestly don’t remember if it was from Songs for a New World or Parade, but both quickly shot up onto my “favorites” playlist at the time.
Songs for a New World was Brown’s first produced show, originally presented Off-Broadway at the WPA Theatre in 1995 and most recently seen in London for the show’s 30th anniversary last year. I’ve seen several versions, but WaterTower Theatre’s excellent production is the first one I’ve seen done exactly as written, i.e., four actors taking on all the songs.
Songs for a New World has music and lyrics by Brown, with original orchestrations by Brown and Brian Besterman. While the musical is overall plotless, it’s different from a traditional musical revue - that is to say, it isn’t without its share of storytelling.
From the first few lines of “Opening Sequence: The New World,” sung by Laila Jalil as Woman 1, we can tell we’re in for a treat. Jalil shines in each of her roles (each song requires a new character from the actors), but most especially in “I’m Not Afraid of Anything,” where she covers a range of emotions, from feisty to vulnerable, in the short span of the song.
Esteban Vilchez as Man 2 gives a fresh take to “She Cries,” and his duets with Jalil, “I’d Give It All for You” and “The World Was Dancing,” were two of my favorites.
Woman 2 was played at the performance I attended by Megan Lagemann (Laura Lites is usually in the role). Lagemann has a powerful voice that doesn’t always blend with her fellow actors, and she’s far too young to be believable in “Just One Step” and “Surabuya Santa,” but she does a lovely job with “Stars and the Moon.”
Zachary J. Willis brings many different character types to Man 1, with his songs “On the Deck of a Spanish Sailing Ship, 1492” and “Flying Home” as standouts.
(Note: There wasn’t a song list in the program, but I was able to find one online.)
Songs for a New World is one of those amazing pieces of theatre that’s hard to describe. At first it seems like a bunch of random songs thrown together, but it’s so much more than that. Each musical number contains a tiny yet brilliant moment, and director JC Schuster and music director Bruce Greer have maximized the impact of these micro-stories with a simplicity of style that lets the talented performers shine through. While each of the actors is strong in his or her own right, the harmonies of the group numbers pull everything together; I mentioned previously that Jalil starts us off in “Opening Sequence: The New World,” the others soon join in to provide us with glorious sound.
The live onstage band, led by Greer on the piano, adds volumes to the storytelling, with Bill Zauner on bass, Alan Pollard on drums, Kat Glaze on violin, and Brian Seo on cello. The action of each song moves smoothly around the musicians, utilizing the space beautifully. (No scenic designer was listed.)
JC Schuster has been serving as WaterTower’s interim Producing Artistic Director but as of October 1 has been promoted and named the organization’s permanent Producing Artistic Director. Based on his direction of Songs for a New World, I can say I look forward with eager anticipation to what he does next.
Whether or not you’re a fan of – or even familiar with – Jason Robert Brown’s work, I highly recommend this singular, memorable show at WaterTower Theatre. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
WHEN: October 21-November 1, 2026
WHERE: Addison Performing Arts Center, 15650 Addison Road, Addison TX
WEB: https://www.watertowertheatre.org/
