Beyond Sight

Reviewed by Lovell Estell III

For many veterans returning from war deployment, the real battle begins when they have to make the transition to civilian life.

Such is the case with the central character in this new musical (book by Nick Sivakumaran and Jeremy Aldridge; lyrics by Greg Shane, Colin Simson, Mark P. Leonard; music by Leonard and Simson) which follows 12 years in the life of Jack Carter (played in Act I by Raufel Muhammad). Carter is first seen as a spry, cocky ROTC cadet, whose patriotic fervor sends him to the battlefield after the horror of 9/11. The girlfriend, Lilly (former U.S. Marine Ginger Lawrence), whom he leaves behind also happens to be the daughter of a general (Geoffrey Dwyer).

Jack and Lilly’s relationship is severely tested in Act 2, when Carter (now played by blind actor Robert Smith), returns home sightless from a battlefield explosion, and is forced to adapt to his new life while battling rage, PTSD and self-pity. Yet there’s a dry, wispy quality to Sivakumaran and Aldridge’s book that precludes a deeper engagement in it, more so because of the subject matter’s gravity.

The prevailing, thickly melodramatic tone of Act 2 is compounded by the less-than-convincing and unpolished quality of Smith’s performance. The music and songs are more commanding, although here, too, director Aldridge’s ensemble stands in need of refinement and consistency. Lawrence’s voice, however, is loveliness personified.

CRE Outreach at the Stella Adler Theatre, 6773 Hollywood Blvd.; Hlwyd.; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m.; through May 25. (310) 902- 8220, www.creoutreach.org