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In its fifth year onstage, Olney Theatre Center\u2019s annual summertime series, Olney Outdoors, brings a late-summer treat to concert goers and musical theatre lovers alike with their recital-performance of Jason Robert Brown\u2019s (JRB) \u201cSongs for a New World.\u201d Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, \u201cSongs for a New World\u201d is a song-cycle pulled together of pieces JRB couldn\u2019t or didn\u2019t work into some of his other works. It has since become somewhat of a cult-classic in the community and regional theatre scenes for its low budget production value and intimate and accommodating four to ten-person cast, despite the difficult nature of JRB\u2019s music. Curated by Kevin S. McAllister, and featuring some of the region\u2019s Olney and Broadway veterans, soloist performers included Adelina Mitchell (\u201cWicked\u201d), Rayshun LaMarr (NBC\u2019s \u201cThe Voice\u201d), Florrie Bagel (\u201cParade\u201d), Michael J. Mainwaring (\u201cSwept Away\u201d), and Katie Mariko Murray (\u201cFrozen\u201d), along with backup vocalists Crystal Freeman, Alex De Bard, Dylan Arredondo, and Ryan Kieft.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\u2026beautifully soared into the hearts of its audience\u2026<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Known for its complex harmonies and orchestrations, and bolstered by the cozy atmosphere and intimate setting of Olney\u2019s Root Family Stage at Omi\u2019s Pavilion, \u201cSongs for a New World\u201d beautifully soared into the hearts of its audience with the wonderful eight-piece orchestra that easily kept up with the challenging score, under the extremely capable direction of Olney\u2019s Associate Artistic Director of Music Theatre, Christopher Youstra, who also tackled the intricate piano solos. While the sound balance of an outdoor theatre wasn\u2019t ideal, there wasn\u2019t an issue with hearing both the music and the performers. Their tight harmonies burst forth gracefully, complimented nicely by the backup vocalists, with a deserved shoutout to Ryan Kieft for his gorgeously rich baritone solo in \u201cThe River Won\u2019t Flow.\u201d<\/p>\n
While each soloist served as a powerhouse in their own right, there were a few noteworthy performances that keenly captured the audience\u2019s attention. \u201cOn the Deck of a Spanish Sailing Ship, 1492\u201d was an early crowd favorite, honing the audience\u2019s energy from the start, especially when smoothly navigating the a capella grouping at the song\u2019s end. Florrie Bagel was riveting in \u201cThe Flagmaker, 1775,\u201d gripping audience members with her emotional performance and rising vocals. Katie Mariko Murray also shone with her bright voice and tender performance, taking the first line of the concert. She also brought color and warmth to \u201cThe World Was Dancing\u201d with duet partner Michael J. Mainwaring, with a soaring voice of his own. She was able to flaunt her comedic chops in \u201cJust One Step.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
While there were some small musical or vocal hiccups here and there, the lightly unpolished nature of the concert clearly did little to hinder the audience\u2019s enjoyment and arguably, succeeded more in making it a genuinely intimate and unique performance. It is rare to see such high caliber productions of this score due to its musical difficulty and rarer still to enjoy it under the \u201cStars and the Moon,\u201d as the song goes. With one week left of performances, Olney Outdoors\u2019 song-filled night under the stars may just be the perfect way to end your summer.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cSongs for a New World\u201d ran August 14-15, 2025. Olney Outdoors runs through August 24, 2025 at Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney Sandy Spring Rd, Olney, MD 20832.\u00a0 For more information and to purchase tickets, please go online<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n
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