Theater: Movin Out

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Movin' Out

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Movin Out is an original musical with an original soundtrack. The music is by Billy Joel and the choreography is by Twyla Tharp. There is also a group of skillful dancers that make Movin Out a thrilling theatrical experience. The performance is high on energy, exuberance and entertainment.

It is the story of five close friends in 1960s suburbia. Tony, Eddie and James are three high school guys set to make their mark on the world. James is in love with Judy, and consequently decide to get engaged. Eddie has his love too-Brenda. Unfortunately she soon ends their volatile relationship. Later on she and Tony fall in love. The guys then head off to Vietnam. The twist in the story comes in the form of James being killed in action. Tony and Eddie are the ones to come back home. But life would never be the same for them. Nor for Brenda and Judy. They try to put their lives back on track but they have lost their way. Eddie turns self-destructive. However the rocky period passes over and finally turn their lives around. That is how they move to the next chapters in their stories.

The story is expertly told without any dialogue. There is Twyla Tharp's rich, inventive choreography as well as the perfect direction. That coupled with the catchy yet powerful songs of Billy Joel articulate all that's going on be it the plot, emotions or even the characterization. The show begins with the lyrical ?Scenes from an Italian Restaurant. The song sets the scene for all that is to come. More of classic Billy Joel songs follow. All the songs are such that they take the story forward. The numbers that stand out are "Captain Jack," "Goodnight Saigon," "Keeping the Faith," "River of Dreams." Then finally there is "Only the Good Die Young" in which Eddie eventually learns to live his life again after his Vietnam experience.

Movin Out is simply about beginning a new part of your life. Its about moving on in life. This does not translate to forgetting the past but that you need to live in the present. The final song most clearly expresses the theme- "I've Loved These Days": "So before we end (and then begin) / We?ll drink a toast to how it's been." So the idea is not just mindless entertainment but a lesson in life that says that one has to have a good time.

The set is aptly designed by Santo Loquasto and the lighting is designed by Donald Holder. These are powerful elements in the show. The costumes are designed by Suzy Benzinger and are in perfect consonance with the characterization. The entire show is loaded with lots of energy. During River of Dreams, the entire group comes to life as never before. Its been sometime and the show is still running strong. So if you have not watched the show yet go and watch now.