PDX Kids Are All Right

Thank GOD my boyfriend is a social butterfly and actually pays attention to what is going on in town because it was due to his recommendation that I saw Ablaze at Brunish Hall last night. Billed as an a capella musical thriller, and starring a bevy of young young actors, I went in with a great deal of curiosity and perhaps just a little cynicism. I came out a convert.
Not only is Matthew B. Zrebski's composition thrilling and exciting, the execution of it is mind-blowing. Every single actor is gripping and engaged from start to finish. These are professionals with talent to spare. The staging is brilliantly choreographed by Jessica Wallenfels, and Eric Nordin handles the music, so I think it's fair to say that you can't find a stronger more gifted team. And I have to give a shout-out to Erin Shannon who assisted Jessica, and those of us who have worked with Erin know that she is a mighty force of talent and creativity herself.
There was not one boring moment in this show for me. In fact, there were several moments I stopped breathing or my heart stopped. At my age, of course, that could be dangerous, but I was too enthralled to be scared. I know that not everyone will have the exact same experience as I did, but EVERYONE owes it to themselves to see this show. I couldn't just write a brief post because it affected me too much.
Ablaze is a thriller, it's a horror story, it's a psychological drama. It is not a teenage story of angst which, as most of you know, would make me angry. I do not like young people demanding more attention than I. I suggest you go with someone (or sit next to someone) you feel comfortable grabbing because there are shocking and frightening moments. And sometimes the performances are so heartfelt and so good you just need someone to grab and say "Are these kids for real?!"
And that brings me to my one main point. I did not intend to sit here and write a review. We have professionals for that. What I really wanted to say is that the greatest thrill for me in watching this show was the realization that these kids are the future of theater! I think we could all say that we have attended professional theatre wherein seasoned veteran actors have not even been able to save the show from being boring or static or uninspiring. What Ablaze gives us is the next generation (and they are a THRILLING generation) of talented performers showing us what we have to look forward to.  I am so proud to call these actors my neighbors and peers. If Ablaze was not on your radar, I strongly suggest you put it there and schedule a time to see it within the next two weeks. Whatever effect it has on you, you will be thrilled to get a preview of what our next generation of amazing talent has to offer.