Thanks so much to Bradley Behrmann, the Director of the new WTAMU Theatre Department's performance of The Theory of Relativity, a musical song cycle that's opening this Friday online. If you're brain is longing for some arts, culture, and live performance, this will be a welcome addition to your weekend plans. The show streams at 7:30 pm on Friday , Oct. 23rd and again on Saturday , Oct. 24th. Visit the WT websitefor details and tickets. To hear our full interview, click the link below.
MORE ABOUT THE SHOW (from Chip Chandler, WTAMU) — The next theatrical production from West Texas A&M University is fully embracing the moment.
A filmed version of “The Theory of Relativity,” a song cycle by Neil Bartram and Brian Hill, will be streamed at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23 and 24.
The musical was inspired by conversations the creators had with young actors — “written for college students about college students,” according to director Bradley Behrmann, assistant professor of musical theatre. Through telling their individual stories through song, Bartram and Hill explore how communities are built through shared experiences.
As Behrmann describes it, the show is like “Love Actually” with its unfolding series of unfolding connections between characters.
“It jumps from idea to idea, but they all have a central theme to them,” said Socorra Carrillo, a junior from Amarillo. “That’s really nice in a time where we all feel so separate.”
In putting together the show, Behrmann and cast are accepting the new way of life and new way of creating required by COVID-19 safety measures: Instead of performing for a live audience, the musical is being filmed for streaming. In the recording studio and in rehearsals, students singing together still wear masks. When safe, masks will be removed for filming, much of which will be conducted outdoors around campus.
“I tried to pick a show that felt right for right now. Not every piece does, but this proved to be a good fit,” Behrmann said. “We’re recording actors on phones, we’re using protective equipment, we’re even doing Zoom segments. It’s a little nerve-racking, but this is a way we can actually make something together at this time.”
“Theory of Relativity” replaced the classic musical “Kiss Me, Kate” on the fall schedule after it had already been delayed from a planned April run because of the coronavirus-inspired campus shutdown in the spring. “This is a left turn from a grand, Golden Age musical like ‘Kate’,” Behrmann said.
But “Relativity” is a good alternative, said Caitlen Richison, a senior from Wichita Falls.
“I like how relatable it is, and it’s nice that we can all do a show together,” Richison said, “even if we’re not all in the same room at the same time.”
Tickets and info can be found online. You can also call the box office at 806-651-2804.