The song-and-dance spectacle takes audiences on a groovy adventure.
By Brandon Voss
Welcome back to the ’60s. More than 25 of the decade’s biggest hits fuel the time machine of off-Broadway’s latest jukebox musical, Trip of Love. Created, directed, and choreographed by Broadway vet James Walski, the song-and-dance spectacle opens October 18 at Stage 42.
“In the ’60s you had so many different popular forms of music — Motown, the British invasion, folk, acid rock, chart-topping soundtracks,” says Walski, who was also inspired by revues and variety shows of the period. “There was a huge variety of music that appeals to a wide audience.”
Also appealing is a cast of 23 rocking more than 500 costumes, including swimsuits and free-lovin’ hippy garb to show off some skin. “It’s a fantasy, and people come to the theater to see beautiful people,” he continues. “Our cast had to be extremely talented triple-threats with great personalities, but we also found the most attractive men and women with the most incredible bodies.”
But the ’60s were about more than beach blanket bingos; Trip of Love also captures the decade’s strife and rebellious spirit. “The issues that came forward during that time — women’s rights, civil rights, the sexual revolution — changed the world,” Walski says. The “California Dreamin’” number, which highlights the politics of the era, references the Stonewall riots.
Although the musical has no dialogue, the show is bookended by an Alice in Wonderland-esque character who “gets pulled into this strange, underground world,” Walski explains. “She goes into this dream, which allows the audience to sit back and let their imagination run wild.”
Next, October 2015.