Something very special happened on opening night of “Songs for a New World” at Hillbarn Theatre in Foster City: The world somehow seemed a little better, a little brighter, and especially a little more hopeful.
That’s partially due to the incredible musical script written by Jason Robert Brown, partially by the dynamic four actors who performed, partially because of the three-piece band lead by Jad Bernardo, partially from the fine directing choices made by Cindy Goldfield, and maybe most of all by the astounding, gut-wrenching photographic images (hundreds of them!) that were curated by Goldfield and then projected high above the stage thanks to the technical wizardry of Artistic Director Steven Muterspaugh.
Those images are of oceans, raindrops, plants, fibers, German prisoners in World War II, the two innocent bystanders recently killed by U.S. Government Ice Agents in Minneapolis, out-of-focus colored dots, peppermint sticks, Planned Parenthood offices, soldiers, Christmas ornaments portions of the American flag and a sign that says “Men of Quality Don’t Fear Equality.”
Riveting, and yet there are also a lot of things going on below. The floor has drawings of islands and oceans. A sampling: “The Sea of Tranquility,” “The Isle of Regret,” and “Road of Shared Responsibility.”
It seems incredible that a script written in 1995 can seem so current, so prescient to what’s actually happening in 2026. Yet current it certainly is.
It’s neither a musical play, nor a revue. Some have liked it to an abstract musical or a series of songs all connected to the theme “the moment of decision.” Composer Brown himself once said, “It’s about one moment. It’s about hitting the wall and having to make a choice, or take a stand, or turn around and go back.”
The four terrific actors in Hillbarn’s production are Jessica Coker as Woman 2, Sophie Oda as Woman 1, Sidney Matthew Roman as Man 1 and Coleton Schmitto as Man 2. Between them, they sing the 18 songs included in “New World” – and only speak a few words now and then.
What makes this production so interesting is the fluidity of both the scenes, the sets and the actors themselves. Without stepping offstage, an actor picks up a shawl purposely left back by the orchestra. Other times, the actors walk off stage and return in a few seconds wearing an overcoat, a hat or a coat and tie.
For the song “The Steam Train,” all four actors don sparkly turquoise athletic-style jackets and carry basketballs which they bounce around and occasionally pass to each other or try for a basket. But most of their clothing is intentionally muted: shades of brown, gray or black for the songs that have a serious theme.
For the song “Flying Home,” Roman wears what looks like a military uniform, while Coker adds a Christmas-themed hat of red and green for her song “Christmas Lullaby.”
It goes without saying that this is a superlative production with a top-notch cast and countless timely messages both needed and necessary in today’s world.
Songs for a New World runs through March 22 at Hillbarn Theatre in Foster City. The production then moves to Douglas Morrison Theatre in Hayward for three performances March 27 – 29.
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Rating: **** (For an explanation of TheatreStorm’s rating system, click here.)
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“Songs for a New World” by Jason Robert Brown (who wrote both the music and lyrics. Director: Cindy Goldfield. Music Director: Jad Bernardo. Movement Director: Cindy Goldfield. Scenic designer and Master Carpenter: Eric Olson. Properties and Costume Designer: Stephanie Dittbern. Lighting Designer: Pamila Gray. Sound Designer: Jeff Mockus. Projection Designer: Cindy Goldfield. Scenic Artist: Courtney Middleditch-Morgan. Stage Manager: Rebecca Voss. Master Electrician: Darbus Oldham. Audio Technician, Sound Mixer: Oliver Loll. Intimacy Director: Maya Herbsman.
Cast
Woman 1: Jessica Coker; Woman 2: Sophie Oda; Man 1: Sidney Matthew Roman; Man 2: Coleton Schmitto.
Musicians
Conductor, Keyboard: Jad Bernardo; Bass: Daniel Murgui; Bass sub 3/7: Nathan Sariowan; Drums/Percussion: Ben Visini; Drums/Percussion sub 3/6, 3/7, 3/22, 3/29: John Doing.
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