By Dierdree Glassford

Hospitality Major

Frequenting entertainment of all sorts, including poetry nights, and open mics, theater and movies, this new generation is searching for something to relate to. People of all different minds are gathering around hoping for someone they can connect with, a story that is similar to their own. A child with autism gets excited with a character in Guardians of the Galaxy, because they take things as literally as themselves. A young woman watches as a leading lady is taking the stage, and sees what she could one day be. The constant question of who we are and who we want to become is always circulating in our minds.

This exact sentiment is captured in Pasek and Paul’s contemporary musical Edges. Northern Essex Community College’s theater troupe the Top Notch Players, journeys through the series of songs and creates a life on stage that many people can relate to. Edges, appropriately named as the characters are all at the edge of who they are to become, goes through the lives of 4 twenty something people, trying to learn how to adult, going through relationships, and learning to just breathe and accept what may come. Director Geehae Moon and her assistant director Christian Doyle worked into the night during the rehearsal process to find ways for the actors to truly connect and portray their characters’ struggles with everyday adulting. Not only understanding how the music’s melody flowed but understanding the beats and silences that were needed as well in order to give the stories the depth they truly needed.

Watching the two directors working simultaneously, cooperating and creating a story that stole the black box theaters tiny stage was inspiring. Powerhouse singers took songs and created a truth that was very real for the audience. In a song called “Perfect”, actress Kendra Jones flowed through the emotional rollercoaster of a person desperate to keep their relationship afloat, stating how she could be perfect if only her significant other would tell her what to do. Actors Hunter Gouthroupe and Sarah Bird jovially played through the song, “A Pretty Sweet Day”, where two bros from the Jersey Shore relive their good old days with their best friend, who is now dating a new girl and has lost his edge. The song “In Short”, which hit the audience with a dark horse of humor, as the character planned the kidnapping of his ex, and wished a swift death upon them.

With soaring changes in attitudes, and tempos, Edges was a hit show, with a full house on opening night. There is a reason that there were standing ovations for both shows, with tears and laughter, millennials left their seats feeling that they can be who they are meant to be, and not be afraid of who they will become.