Lonesome Traveler

Off-Broadway-at 59E59 Theaters 

At first glance, I saw a lot of musical instruments placed around and hanging about on the set.  I was optimistic at worst and then I met the Lonesome Traveler fan club that was sitting next to, and all around me.  This was a group of 34 people who traveled from Ventura California to see this opening.  The center of attention for me was this lovely and sweet 91 year old woman who loves this show so much that she saw it 3 times in her hometown at the Rubicon Theatre Company where this production was born.  I was challenged by this group to sit through this show and not to tap my toes and they were totally correct.  I could not.

Admittedly, I was a little nervous when the music started and thought I was going to have to sit through over two hours of music that I never heard of, but I was quickly won over and this turned out to be a fun and enjoyable evening.

The concept here was to tell a story of the roots of folk music.  Each member of the cast portrayed various different artists through the decades (Pete Seeger,  Judy Collins, Woody Guthrie, Peter, Paul & Mary,  Joan Baez, and many more).  I’ve seen a number of these types of shows recently where I find it to be more of a musical review than an actual story, but there is nothing wrong with that.  Especially, when they not only let you, but encourage you to sing along.  I always get in trouble when I do that in the Broadway theatres.  So this was a treat, with songs like This Land is Your Land, Guantanamera, Turn, Turn, Turn, Michael Row the Boat Ashore, and many other classic folk songs spanning over 50 years.  It seemed as if many in the audience had seen the show before, as people were singing along before they were even prompted.  It was very amusing and I could totally see this growing a cult following.

 The 9 players (3 women and 6 men) were all vocal talents, and were clearly hand-picked to hit all the tones and notes that were represented.    They sang a capella,  harmonized, acted and all played instruments.  Speaking of instruments, there were many guitars used, as well as a banjo, electric keyboard, a conga drum, tambourines, harmonica and even a washboard.  There were also some string instruments that I could not identify by name.

Folk music has been an important part of American History and these songs will live on long after we are gone.   Check out this musical festival before it closes on April 19th.  For tickets visit 59E59 Theater and check for discounts on my website at www.thisbroadsway.com/discount-tickets –ThisbroadSway 3/17/2015