Curiocity: East Meets West In '7-Shot Symphony'
It may be set in the "old west" but a new show coming to Loring Theater this weekend is anything but haggard and dusty.
"The 7-Shot Symphony" is a non-stop, action-packed story taking seven classic myths from around the world and folding it into a new-aged story about love, corruption and redemption -- all in front of a classic western backdrop.
Noah Bremer, artistic director for Live Action Set -- which developed the production -- said the show truly has something for everyone. And with his background and experience, he has a good sense of what entertains the ears and the eyes.
Currently touring with Cirque du Soleil's Varekai show, Bremer truly has two full-time jobs. He travels across the country, entertaining thousands in places like Germany, Switzerland and Spain as The Skywatcher (a mad scientist in Varekai) then spends the rest of his time overseeing "The 7-Shot Symphony."
"I come home at midnight from a two-show day of performing and then sit down at my computer to tend to Live Action Set doings in Minneapolis where at 10 in the morning, their day is just starting," Bremer said. "Technology is on our side -- Skype, e-mail and large file transfer sites allow me to carry out the majority of the functions I would have were I in Minneapolis."
Of course, it helps greatly that his team at Live Action Set is highly skilled and experienced artists, he said.
"Working with Cirque du Soleil has reconfirmed my knowledge that it is the unity of a group that will make an entity fly," he said.
Cirque du Soleil also influenced the concept of the show, inspiring an idea of what Live Action Set calls "physical theater" and using the stage as a whole.
"In a Cirque du Soleil show, the audience is given a lot of choices of where to look. Action is always happening. They are masters at filling a stage with brightly-colored, spandex-covered eye candy. 'The 7-Shot Symphony' will fill the stage as well, but in a loose-fitting, earth-tone color palate," Bremer said.
Bremer describes physical theater as an idea that because the actor's entire body is seen on stage, it should be used in a magnified way -- down to the tiniest movement of a knuckle. There is no set and no props. Both the audience and the actors are forced to use their imagination and fully engulf on this theatrical ride of action through movement.
"The creativity of non-literal depiction is what awakens the imagination," Bremer said, "and this is what our theater does best -- awaken the imagination."
The music in the show almost acts as its own character, bringing certain emotions and connecting the performance on stage with its Western theme. Local band Tree Party created original tracks for "The 7-Shot Symphony" putting what they call a "contemporary twist on traditional country music."
"Tree Party has composed a Wild West soundtrack that punctuates the movements of the actors on stage, much like music accompanies a dance piece," Bremer said. "So, even if you don't like the play, there's a good chance you'll like the concert."
Bremer said their first and foremost goal of this production is to entertain and create a fun evening for those who dare to give something new a chance.
"The script, the music, and the staging put a contemporary twist on traditional theater. For a special bonus, those who adore Norse, West African, Greek and Mesopotamian myths, this show's intertwining interpretation will hit the spot," he said. "We hope that audiences will see the breadth of what theater can do."
"The 7-Shot Symphony" opens March 11, with a preview March 10 at Loring Theater. It runs through March 27. Shows play Mondays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 7 p.m. and on select weekend matinees. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for students/artists, $10 for children and $20 for groups. For more information, click here.
