Future Waitstaff sings for a new world of musical theater

Anita Varma Editor in Chief

After putting away their “Bat Boy: The Musical” scripts from last semester, the Future Waitstaff of America (FWA) are in final rehearsals for their upcoming production of “Songs for a New World.” The revue was Broadway songwriter Jason Robert Brown’s first musical, and premiered 11 years ago at the Off-Broadway WPA Theatre in New York City.

Tony award-winning Brown received critical acclaim in The New York Times when he was deemed “a leading member of a new generation of composers who embody high hopes for the American musical.” FWA members have similar high hopes for musical theater.

FWA members Amanda Jameson ’09 and Weintana Abraha ’09 are co-directing the play, and Ellen Butler ’09 is the vocal director.

Not all FWA members were familiar with “Songs for a New World” before they selected it for their fall production. “I personally hadn’t heard of the musical, but everyone else raved about it,” said FWA Co-President Rachel Marquez ’09. “But I listened to the music and fell in love with it, too.”

Comprised of 17 songs, “Songs for a New World” has a cast of 18 students. “It is the perfect show for us this semester, since it’s flexible in terms of cast and we could showcase a lot of talent,” added FWA Co-President Jeannine Frumess ’09, who was in a production of “Songs for a New World” in high school. Frumess is performing “I’m Not Afraid of Anything” in the revue.

Butler and Jameson noted that the songs are not woven into a traditional plotline, but instead all deal with the common theme of overcoming obstacles and often make use of humor.

“The songs range from a guy who’s homeless and trying to find his way in the world to a rich socialite who stands on the ledge of a building and threatens her husband that she’ll jump off if she doesn’t get a fur coat she wants,” said Jameson.

Marquez is also in the revue, and she is performing “Surabaya Santa,” in which Mrs. Claus complains about feeling neglected, particularly around Christmas time.

“It’s very funny, and about living in the shadow of Santa,” said Butler. “She’s singing about her exasperation.”

Butler characterized the revue as an “eclectic mix” of ballads, gospel numbers, and humorous songs.

In terms of serving as a vocal director, Butler said that preparing for the production has been difficult, but a valuable growing experience. “The challenge is part of the enjoyment for me,” said Butler. “I just love to teach people music. Many people in the show haven’t been in previous shows.”

Marquez said that part of FWA’s mission is to include “whoever wants to be involved and really loves musical theater…we don’t want to block anyone and say ‘Oh, you’re a freshman, you can’t be in the show’ or ‘You’ve never sound designed, you can’t be in it.’”

“This is our opportunity on campus to experiment and try new things,” continued Marquez. “As long as you have a passion to do it and to listen to new ideas, we have people with past experience. So if you need help, we’re here to help you.”

“It’s a hobby group, not really a virtuosic, ‘this is your life goal’ kind of thing,” added “Songs for a New World” Pit Director and FWA publicist John Lagomarsino ’09. “We’re giving everyone who wants to be involved a chance to be involved.”

FWA received certification from the Vassar Student Association on Oct. 1. The group performed “Bat Boy” in April 2006, before they were an official organization.

“Songs for a New World” will open in Sanders Auditorium, with performances on Thursday, Nov. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 2 at 8 p.m. and a matinee on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 3 p.m. Admission is free, and donations will be accepted.