One Act Edition Book and Lyrics by David Brush, music by Rachel Dean. R
Review by Steven Masionet
THE ANXIETY PROJECT is a new musical that explores true stories of contemporary suffering, loss, struggle, alienation, friendship, brokenness, love, hate, and everything that comes with anxiety and depression disorders and other mental illnesses.
Psychology student Avery is in her final semester of undergraduate studies, and in just a few short weeks, she will earn her degree and be one step closer to the ultimate goal of opening her own practice. That’s assuming she finishes her thesis – a study of the mechanics of mental illness and how science can change lives. Case after case, Avery becomes immersed in the lives of these patients – the day to day struggles of anxiety, depression, suicide, medication. But when one of the cases hits very close to home, Avery realizes that numbers only tell part of the story of mental illness.
Directed by Meagan Millar with Vocal Directions by TJ Wilcox, Open Door Production’s The Anxiety Project delivers an authentic and emotionally vulnerable show for those fans of insidious shows that tackle real life struggles. If you are a fan of Fun Home, Next to Normal, Jagged Little Pills and any other musical that dabbles in the dark element of humanity this is the show for you. The show was delivered in The Woodbox Theater at The Niagara Arts and Cultural Center, the show starts with a powerful opening of surviving the overwhelmingness of mental health, we are introduced to our leading actor, Avery (Emily McDonnell), McDonnell is the Allison Bechdel of this story, placed center right stage, she examines the cases that will lead her to obtain her PHD, each vignette brought to life by surrounding ensemble members, who bring this show to light. Standout performances by Milo Ralph who emotionally unpacks their vulnerability in their deliverance of the multiple characters they play. Each character separates from their own, serenades the space with their raw material.
We are introduced to the fantastic leading characters of this show, Avery and Macy sisters, one studying the field of psychology, and the other living the experience. Avery who finds herself flooded with cases and attempting to connect the dots, finds herself at the crossroad of understanding her own relationship with mental health and supporting her sister. Another stand out performance was by Aria Wittcop who also played various roles (Hope, Rachel, and Kristina). Do not let age fool you, Wittcop has a serious knapsack for musical range, she delivers engaging and fulfilling characters shaping her to be a formitable player in this troupe. Some familar names from Open Door’s successful Jesus Christ grace this stage once again, actors such as Julie Doerr, who appeared to play the struggling mother with alcoholism delivers a playful role throughout the act and giving us a meaningful and emotionally raw performance in Shattered.
View this performance during July 10-12 and 17-19. Tickets $18 available at the door or by emailing opendoorproductionswny@gmail.com