*When you think about it, it’s quite brilliant to conceptualize the New York City subway system as a Broadway musical. After all, it is one of busiest rapid transit rail systems in the country and the seventh busiest in the world.
In Transit, Broadway’s first a cappella musical opens at the Circle in the Square Theatre in New York’s Times Square. With book, music, and lyrics by Academy Award winner Kristen Anderson-Lopez, James-Allen Ford, Russ Kaplan and Sara Wordsworth, and direction and choreography by multiple Tony Award winner Kathleen Marshall, In Transit is an innovative and reflective string of vignettes woven into a fun and entertaining portrait of the most diverse cultural epicenter in the world. The scenic design, created by Donyale Werle cleverly transforms theatergoers into an immersive subway experience, coupled with the masterful lighting design of Donald Holder.
The stellar ensemble include David Abeles, Moya Angela, Steven “Heaven” Cantor, Justin Guarini, Telly Leung, Erin Mackey, Gerianne Pérez, Margo Siebert, Chesney Snow, James Snyder, Mariand Torres, Nicholas Ward, Adam Bashian, Arbender Robinson, and Aurelia Williams.
Music and stories of love, heartbreak, ambition, and adventure are recurring themes during the hour and 40 minute set. The music and lyrics perfectly capture the lives of the eleven subway travelers who often intersect.
One of the many musical highlights is the show-stopping performance of “A Little Friendly Advice,” performed by America’s Got Talent alum Angela (portraying Ms. Williams).
Also, there are several noteworthy moments including the rhythmically and harmonious chant of “Deep Beneath the City/Not There Yet,” which recounts the tale of the hustle and bustle of commuter’s lives on an imperfect transit system, on an imperfect day.
The solo performance of Seibert (in the role of Jane)—a 30something year-old struggling actress juggling auditions and temp jobs to survive is a standout, alongside a chilling duet performance of “We Are Home,” featuring American Idol pioneer Guarini (portraying Trent), and Snow (portraying Boxman, alternating the role with Steven “Heaven” Cantor, who serves as the narrator and beat box master of the show).
One of In Transit’s most compelling moments is the story of Trent and Snow—the gay couple secretly engaged to marry. Trent takes Snow home to meet his churchgoing mother—in denial of her son’s sexuality.
In Transit is a light, fun, adult friendly production. Great for tourists.
Gwendolyn Quinn is an award-winning media consultant with a career spanning more than 25 years. She is a contributor to BlackEnterprise.com, Black Enterprise’s BE Pulse, Huffington Post, EURWEB.com, and Medium.com. Quinn is also a contributor to Souls Revealed and Handle Your Entertainment Business.
