by Nicole Itkin
Octet is a musical in song-cycle form. The musical takes us into a support group for technology addicts, walking us through the eight group members’ individual struggles with technology. From gaming addiction to conspiracy theories, the show pokes at all the beasts that hide in our phones. Sitting in a circle in a dimly lit basement, the actors nail the balancing act that comes with being uncomfortable in a setting but desperately wanting the help that that place can provide.
First, the good: Chilling. Harrowing. The music in Octet is out of this world. This is music that I want to listen to over and over on repeat. The hymns, which started and ended the show, were rich. Like a cocoon, they were warm and enveloping. “The Forest” and “Monster” are two examples. “Candy” is another fantastic song–bright, uplifting. “Beautiful” is light and a fantastic way to bring the show to a close. Other songs, while equally well written and musically stunning, were confusing–like “Little God.” The songs spanned a range of genres, providing a fantastic amount of variety.
Now, the plot: There were moments of incredible depth and joy. However, overall, there were lots of moments of confusion. It was unclear what story this show was trying to tell. Yes, phones are bad—isolating, addicting. But what is the message of the show? This show tried to fit everyone’s story in, everyone’s tales of addiction and online encounters gone wrong. But, ultimately, it left us with a lot of depiction but without much conviction or agency. Do we throw our phones away? Is moderation possible? Do we focus on the good? What do we do?! Of course, it’s a massive question, but I was really hoping the show would give some kind of answer.
There were great moments of storytelling. The depiction of a train–with everyone glued to their phone–resonated with a sickening kind of aftertaste. The coffee break was fantastic–the soul-baring emotion of the songs relegated to awkward eye contact and oversharing, the menace of a stark line between “too much” and “not enough” and a complete inability to know where to stand, how, when, and why. Technology has shaped our relationships and ability to connect in, mostly, devastating ways. This is absolutely a show for the moment. It’s timely and feels fresh.
I hope this show clarifies the story and, especially, its message. Because wow! The music is fantastic. I hope this show goes far!
Cast: Adam Bashian, Melissa Mahoney, Gunnar Manchester, Anand Nagraj, Jill Paice, Mia Pak, Luis Quintero, Alexis Tidwell
Music, Lyrics, Book and Vocal Arrangements: Dave Malloy
Director: Amanda Dehnert
Music Director: Simone Allen
Lighting Design: Marcella Barbeau
Props Design: Buffy Cardoza
Costume Design: Tracy Christensen
Sound Design: Ken Travis
Through September 7 at Hudson Valley Shakespeare