“Edges,” a song cycle presented by the Boze Lyric Theatre from Nov. 21 to Nov. 24, is a show about you. Written by the critically acclaimed American musical theatre and film duo Pasek and Paul, “Edges” follows the theme of making choices at the edge of a decision, and reflecting on how your choices brought you to where you are. “I believe there’s a song in the show for every single person in the audience,” said senior Ella Miller, a cast member in music education and musical theatre, “Pasek and Paul wrote this while they were in college with the general theme of ‘we all struggle, and we all struggle in different ways but we’re gonna get through it together.’”
Sam Woods, a cast member and junior majoring in musical theatre and music business, stated, “This show has helped me discover where I want to end up in life through the story of my song. Putting that in my own perspective, it’s helped me realise how I want to grow and where I can go after graduation from AU.”
Majoring in musical theatre and public relations, senior cast member Emma Helmandollar explained that “Edges” is a loose-structured show which creates a very different experience of musical theatre than most people are used to. Its form as a song cycle strays away from the conventional form of musical theatre by eliminating the stories in-between the songs that would intertwine them.
Jason James, the director, described “Edges” as a bunch of songs that all have a similar umbrella theme but deal with something different as they cover themes of life, love, loss and heartache. Seatings are limited, so get your tickets early because they usually sell out.
I’m learning the art of placing myself in a situation I’m not physically in.”
– Ella Miller
“Edges” poses as a fun and creative challenge for both the cast members and the director, creating a learning experience for the cast involved. James’ decision to direct the show lies in how it creatively challenges them, since it’s a nonlinear show normally done with four people when their show increased the number to thirteen.
Miller reveals that performing in the show stretches her capabilities as a performer, both vocally and performance-wise, learning more of the subtext and the behind-the-scenes aspects. She explained, “The songs I sing and the group numbers I’m in are the opposite of where I am in real life, since some of them are focused on break-ups and I’m engaged in real life.”
Helmandollar also attests to this experience stating, “My song is about leaving an abusive relationship even though I’m happily married. It’s about finding the subtext and breaking it down for myself, while discovering more of how I can connect to the song even though it’s not directly about me.”
Showtimes are only available this weekend for: Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m., Nov 23 at 2:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. and a final 2:30 p.m. performance on Nov. 24. Tickets are available for purchase online at Anderson University Conference and Event Services website or call the box office at (765) 641-4140. AU students can receive a free ticket, so come early!