New Oberlin musical Chances a pretty safe bet

If the opera seems off-puttingly outdated, then try to secure another of the weekend's hottest tickets. Check out Chances, an original musical by senior Matt Quayle, being produced by the Oberlin Musical Theater Association this weekend in Wilder Main. It borders on the operatic at times; however the cultural references are a lot more current than the Montagues and the Capulets.

The story revolves around a 20-something couple, Greg (first-year Dustin Budish) and Michelle (senior Jumee Park). The trials and tribulations of their seemingly misfitted relationship-the focus of the brief show-are interwoven with sassy musical commentary by a talented foursome.

The quartet (junior soprano Ariadne Votava, sophomore alto Sarah Wolfman-Robichaud, first-year tenor Josh Mason, and sophomore bass Seth Fruiterman) enlivened and consistently reinforced the energy of the show. Wolfman-Robichaud, never breaking from her zany and extroverted character was truly outstanding, both as an actress and vocal talent.

Budish, too, should be commended for his solid performance. A strong voice and a sad face enhanced his performance of the endearing loser, Greg. Winning the laughter of the audience, Budish's success at portraying a dull underdog added an element of irony.

Greg's vegetarian counterpart-the brash and bitchy Michelle-entered the stage in all the glory of a '90s alterna-chick. When her part was accompanied by specific actions or lyrics requiring exaggerated attitude, Park portrayed Michelle extremely well. A highlight of the show, for example, was Park pounding the floor with a table-knife in angsty frustration. At other times, however, Park appeared awkward and a bit lost.

Perhaps one reason for Park's discomfort was that much of the score called for notes well above her pitch. When Michelle's songs fit within her alto range, Park was outstanding with a strong and confident voice. Unfortunately, she was often asked to extend her vocals behind her reach.

This shortcoming-Oprah and Greg also suffered from the out-of-range phenomenon-was the only disappointment of the show. It would seem that, since Quayle was present for the production, the score could have been altered to better correspond with the ranges of these particular actors.

High note indiscrepencies notwithstanding, however, the Chances' cast was phenomenal. The surprising delight of the evening was senior Rashida Bryant playing the revered Oprah. Almost angelic in an elaborate white and sparkling gown, Bryant was as poised and self-loving as Oprah herself; her vocals alone made the show a success.

Completing the ensemble were senior Matt Baxter and junior Eve Udesky. Baxter as the waiter/robber was refreshingly humorous. Evoking more laughter than one would think possible in his few moments on stage, Baxter's few appearances were crucial in propelling the motion of the play.

The lighting, though well done, was nothing special. As Wilder Main is perhaps the most unyielding venue for theatrical performances, lighting and set designers had few options.

The set, aesthetically pleasing, was designed by senior director Greg Pierce. Simple, yet appealing, the set enhanced the performance without being overbearing. Pierce should certainly be acknowledged for his practical use of space and set in his direction of action. Restaurant scenes with chairs and tables at first sight invoked hints of claustophobia, but Pierce's tight staging and the cast's meticulous acting overcame the frustrating constrictions of Wilder Main.

The musicians, Tim Heavner (conductor/piano) and Jacqueline Saed (violin), as both the glue and the icing of the performance, were fantastic. Brilliantly composed and beautifully played, the music was perhaps the most significant aspect of the evening.

Quayle should be genuinely applauded for his incredible musical and lyrical composition skills. It is difficult for an Oberlin student to not feel under-accomplished in comparison to Quayle's assertions of talent and enthusiasm. Quayle sharpens the edge of theater by combining traditional musical theater with classical opera in a similiar way that the once-revolutionaryTommy meshes rock and opera.

A large part of the appeal to Chances is the very fact that it cannot be categorized. The play's unfoldings are not predictable, in that Chances style is practically unprecedented. Quayle defies the exasperation invoked by frequent reincarnations of classical and canonized works of theater and exemplifies the talent with which Oberlin is credited.

With some minor alterations and a few more rehearsals, Chances will be ready to jet to Chicago for a live performance at Harpo. Don't miss the opportunity to see the play while it'ss still unknown.

Chances will run at Wilder Main on Friday at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Don't miss your chance: Part of the talented ensemble performing in Chances, showing this weekend in Wilder Main. (photo by Heidi Good)