Back – Christopher Reilly, Bryn Graham McRee, Mia Michaud, Susan Soriano, Tom Whalen and Brigit Comeau. Front: Benjamin Van Diepen (Photo by Mona Lee Wylde)
Reviewed by Madison Mellon
Kiki and David Gindler Performing Arts Center
Through July 26th
Kristin Towers-Rowles and Christopher M. Allport (Photo by Mona Lee Wylde)
Building a full-length original musical is a formidable challenge, and Wise Woman Musical Theatre Group deserves credit for the ambition behind its world premiere, E=MC². This production sets out to chronicle Albert Einstein’s extraordinary life while exploring science, history, social justice, and antisemitism. It’s an admirable undertaking. Yet in trying to encompass nearly every facet of Einstein’s legacy, the musical never settles on a clear dramatic focus, resulting in a work that feels more like a series of vignettes than a cohesive piece of storytelling.
The musical follows Einstein (Randy Crenshaw in his later years, Christopher M. Allport as the younger Albert) as he reflects on his life from 1896 to 1955. Along the way, audiences witness his scientific breakthroughs, turbulent personal relationships, escape from Nazi Germany, friendship with Paul Robeson, civil rights advocacy, and lingering guilt over his role in the creation of the atomic bomb.
The production’s biggest hurdle is finding a consistent tone. The score frequently swings between buoyant, family-friendly numbers and scenes confronting some of the twentieth century’s darkest realities. In one number, Einstein is teased with such tongue-in-cheek lyrics as, “such a meshuggeneh/ what will we do with ya?”. In another number, Einstein cheerfully celebrates America as a “melting pot” he likes “quite a lot.” While these numbers are undeniably earnest, their simplistic lyrics sit uneasily beside weightier material.
The contrast is particularly striking when Einstein and Paul Robeson discuss racial violence in America Likewise, the emotional weight of Einstein wrestling with his role in the atomic age is given the same time and weight as a song about him cheering up his pet parrot. The result is a musical that never quite establishes whether it wants to be educational family entertainment, historical pageant, or serious biographical drama.
Within the piece, there are several compelling threads that are very promising. The portrayal of Einstein’s first wife, Mileva Marić (Mia Michaud), hints at a unique feminist perspective, addressing her intellectual contributions to Einstein’s work and the sacrifices she made before his infidelity ended their marriage. Likewise, Einstein’s enduring friendship with Robeson was a rich one, yet in considering his legacy, it is often overlooked Exploring these perspectives might have provided a unique lens to view Einstein through, but the show zooms to the next milestone in Einstein’s life without fully anchoring itself.
\There is still much to admire. The ensemble demonstrates impressive vocal power, and the live musicians gives the score a richness that elevates many scenes. The evening reaches its emotional peak in the haunting Act I finale depicting Jews fleeing Germany after Hitler’s rise to power. François-Pierre Couture’s lighting and the projection design by Christopher M. Allport and Elaine “E.E.” Moe create a polished visual language that helps tie together the musical’s many locations and time periods.
E=MC² is an ambitious and heartfelt effort that reflects an enormous investment of talent and passion. With a more selective approach to Einstein’s life, and a stronger sense of what it ultimately wants to say, the production could become as emotionally resonant as it is educational. As it stands, its grand scope currently proves a limitation.
Wise Woman Musical Theatre, Group Kiki and David Gindler Performing Arts Center, 110 E. Broadway, Glendale. Thurs.-Sat., 7 pm, Sun., 3 pm; thru July 26. Running time, two hours and 20 minutes, including one intermission. einsteinthemusical.com
