High Fidelity

A.E. Hotchner Theatre - Washington University Performing Arts Department

Saturday, June 13, 2008

As someone who has neither read the book nor seen the movie, I bought my $15 student ticket to this play having no idea what to expect. Well, I came out of the theater thoroughly satisfied and thoroughly amused. With a simple yet colorful and attractive set, New Line Theatre managed to take me right into the world of these characters. The narrative occurs through the eyes of the charismatic record store owner Rob, who boldly opens the play by stepping up front and center and addressing the audience. The play is his story, with him as the narrator, and we're in his head. Rob takes a great deal of license in stopping the action now and again to add commentary and justify his actions.

I would attribute High Fidelity's success to the laugh-out-loud funny score (there were moments I couldn't breathe) and the superb acting. The show ran without a glitch, and the extremely close quarters in the A.E. Hotchner Theatre at did not seem to be a problem. The witty humor was based in reality - the characters were just regular people from different walks of life. In fact, they were so regular at times that their struggles truly hit home. Although I was laughing most of the time, there were a few moments when the situation warranted a more somber mood, and I truly felt sympathy for the plight of the characters. Maybe we're all that funny/pathetic. I wish my life had musical accompaniment.

Being of a younger generation, I didn't get all of the musical references, but it didn't detract at all from my comprehension of the plot. My favorite songs were "Last Real Record Store on Earth," "Number Five With a Bullet," and "Turn the World Off (Turn You On)." The singer of "Turn..." has a phenomenal voice; I was enchanted. I got home and searched all over the internet for a download. Who knows? I might end up buying the soundtrack! I was not quite as enamored with the singing voice of the female protagonist, Laura; it tended to be weak at the upper end of the range and a bit whiny, as well.

The only issue I take with the script is the reference to Hinduism as a means for the negative characterization of Ian, the "other man." Being an Indian and a Hindu myself, I tend to maintain a good sense of humor about misinterpretations of my culture. However, I thought a line was crossed in the intense, almost orgy-like scene in which Ian calls himself ‘Shiva.' Still, I can take a joke and was not irrevocably irritated (just slightly put off) and continued to enjoy this scene and the rest of the show.

As for the rest of the audience, I can say they were a diverse bunch, including some high school students (some parts were a bit too racy for children), and all of them were laughing really hard. I'll surely be looking forward to New Line's next mod musical.