'New World' is powerful, emotional

"SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD," UTAH MUSICAL THEATRE, Peery's Egyptian Theater, Ogden, through Aug. 26 (626-8500 or 800-978-8457). Running time: 110 minutes (one intermission).

OGDEN — It's a little bold around here, in a region saturated with endless revivals of "Plaid" and "Joseph," to produce the Utah premiere of a musical revue whose composer-lyricist is not a household name.

But trust me, Jason Robert Brown's "Songs for a New World" is well worth the drive to Ogden — and there are only three more performances this week, then it'll be gone.

With an original score that showcases and blends everything from jazz and gospel to pop and classical, passionate and insightful lyrics, strong voices and vibrant, energetic choreography, this song-cycle style of revue really moves, both emotionally and physically.

Directed by UMT artistic and managing director Bruce Cohen, and choreographed by guest artist Brian Paul Mendoza, this is not just an entertaining program of familiar tunes. The songs are all new, and each is a compelling, storytelling vignette, mostly around the central theme of pursuing the American dream.

There are six highly talented singers, augmented by another half-dozen or so dancers.

Carelton W. Bluford is terrific as the beleaguered captain of a sailing ship in 1492 in one segment, then a kid from a New York ghetto who becomes a basketball superstar in another and "Flying Home" on wings of angels in yet another.

Teresa Bramwell sizzles in three featured segments — a distraught woman about to take "Just One Step" off the 57th floor of a Manhattan skyscrape; as a single woman longing for the "Stars and the Moon," then settling for what ends up being an empty marriage; and vexed by the problems of being married to Santa Claus. She's also the central character among several women sewing flags in 1775 while their sons and spouses die in battle.

Paul Cheney is "King of the World" (until he winds up in prison), Vanessa Cheney is featured in a poignant piece as Mary awaiting the birth of her son, and Robert Anthony Jones is caught up in an emotional tug-of-war in "She Cries," and he and Jessica Perry are a couple pondering the losses in their relationship in "I'd Give It All for You."

Perry also shines as a woman who claims "I'm Not Afraid of Anything," while others are wary of water, darkness, crying and loving.

Joshua Madsen's stylistic scenery, Philip Lowe's costuming, Michael Foster's lighting and Mary Anderson's five-piece band are also major pluses.

Even better, the sound problems which seem to plague most stage productions in Peery's Egyptian Theater, have apparently been fixed. The sound was bright and sharp — just like the savvy lyrics in Jason Robert Brown's powerful and evocative score.

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E-mail: ivan@desnews.com