Seasons, the musical, is unlike many Fringe shows. It isn’t a comedy; it’s not bawdy or risqué, but rather deals with some pretty serious issues in the most beautiful ways.
The show, music and lyrics, all written by Fringe alumna Elaine Pechacek and musician Katie Hammond, were previously performed in New York and England. This is the first time it will be performed in Central Florida. The show starts with three different stories.
Mrs. Jones, powerfully portrayed by Beki Herrbach, is a woman who is diagnosed with breast cancer. Hope, played by Kathryn Fabbroni, is her daughter, who is ready to accept a medical school scholarship when she discovers she’s pregnant. She’s also engaged and can barely contain her excitement. Then there are Peter and Helen, who are played by Erin Robere and Tiana Akers, respectively. The two are a young couple who, on a night fueled by a few drinks, decide to go home with one another for the first time, despite their long flirtatious past.
Seasons will take you on a beautiful journey between two different types of relationships. The relationship between mother and daughter shows Hope continue to go on with her wedding plans and put on a brave face through the declining health of her resilient mother who wants to live long enough to walk her daughter down the aisle. Peter and Helen, the youthful couple, attempt a relationship together after Helen finds out she is pregnant. Helen feels she needs to push herself into something more serious and do the right thing with Peter, which would put her education on hold. Helen comes across as angry and seems to carry a lot of spite toward Peter and the pregnancy. Peter has a few breaking points but still keeps his spirits alive by working through it for his wife and his unborn child.
Despite its serious subject matter, the show does have some humorous moments. The original music, which was beautifully composed with a combination of sweet melodies and strong vocals by the actors, carries you through a year of their lives.
It’s no secret that Mrs. Jones doesn’t pull through; many people in the audience came prepared with tissues. There were plenty of touching moments and at the end there wasn’t a single dry eye in the house. You couldn’t help but feel a deep connection to these characters who you’ve only known for less than an hour.
Seasons is truly a Fringe must-see at the Black Venue!
