HER WORLD: CHEETOS, BOYS & T.M.I.
REVIEW: WELCOME TO MY WORLD
By Ryan M. Luévano
Billed as ‘a brand new one-girl musical,’ Welcome to My World (book, music, lyrics and directed by Bruce Kimmel) gives the impression that there are many ‘one-GIRL musicals’ when there are none, even one-woman musicals are few and far between. Unlike plays, though also challenging, one-person (man, woman or child) musicals are especially challenging for writers, performers, and audiences alike, as the full demands of sustaining drama and intrigue rest in the hands of only one performer. Additionally, in musicals, this self-generated drama must become so great that the performer breaks out into song. In this case that performer is the talented Sami Staitman who performs this show, loosely based on her real-life self—a girl that, at least in this musical, is only fourteen years old. This of course begs the question: how much drama and intrigue can you glean from the life of a girl this young?
Sami Staitman. Photo Credit: Michael Lamont.
The answer of course lies in the eye of the beholder. A show that features a teenage girl talking at the audience about: snacks, personal wants, texting, boys, math and prom among other things, then goes directly into song about these normal subjects can become tiresome. It was certainly charming and cute early on in the show, but the show never dared to be more than charming and cute. Even light-hearted, family friendly musicals like this one must strive for greater dramatic goals. Look at musicals like Annie, Matilda, Mary Poppins, 13, Peter Pan and countless others that follow suit with moments of cuteness and charm, then moments that go beyond that cursory realm into action that will gratify any audience. For if this show were performed as a song cycle rather than a musical, the book problems would be mostly resolved.
The show begins with a light and bouncy up-tempo song that typifies most of the other songs in the show. The pleasant music rarely leaves this bright, optimistic style. Furthermore, much like writing a concerto for a single instrument, a songwriter for a musical should attempt to explore the various ranges, styles and timbres of the soloist, in this case Sami Staitman. Instead, all the songs here are consistently in her middle to high belt range exposing the audience’s ears to only one side of Staitman’s spectacular voice. The lyrics are simple, clever and conversational throughout, and are in the spirit of a teenage girl.
Regardless of the material the young Sami Staitman takes command of the stage like a seasoned professional. Her strong mezzo-soprano voice and belt abilities are certainly showcased and put to the test as she sings Kimmel’s challenging and taxing score with ease. With so much to do and so much to say Staitman is able to spit out every word, and complete every cue all without missing a beat—there is no doubt that she possesses the talent, stamina, and work ethic to have a successful career in the entertainment industry.
Sami Staitman. Photo Credit: Michael Lamont.
WHAT ABOUT THE MUSIC DIRECTOR?
Alby Potts plays the keyboard and music directs this show beautifully. In this show he does more than play the keyboard, but also performs as the only other character in the show, exchanging banter with Sami throughout. Even with his special cameo he is an ever vigilant and effective music director following Staitman’s voice in and out of all the musical numbers.
Sami Staitman, left, and Alby Potts. Photo Credit: Michael Lamont.
Welcome to My World is a cute and charming Disney-esque family friendly show that will certainly delight. Bring your teenage daughters, nieces, granddaughters or sisters–they will surely find something to relate to, or at least find inspiration in watching someone their age pursuing their dreams for the world to see. My only wish for this show is that instead of just ‘one’ girl, audiences would get to explore the ‘worlds’ of a cast of girls offering a wider cultural dynamic and more interesting drama.
This production will continue through October 4, 2015 at the Grove Theatre in Burbank, CA. Click HERE for more information and tickets.
