The Los Angeles Theatre Initiative puts on a charming performance of a new folk musical, Missed Connections.
Delving into the heart and fragility of human relationships, a group of talented young people explore how individual lives can become intertwined, alongside the extraordinary, though sad, nature of connections that never fully come to fruition.
Set in a bar in 1997 rural Kentucky, the characters radiate charm, switching between speech and song and exposing some of the most personal moments that we can experience. The play is complemented by a band which brings lovely tunes, influenced by American folk music and Appalachian culture, to life.
Coming to the Fringe all the way from Northwestern University, the student-written musical focuses on a space which welcomes people from all different walks of life, highlighting the beauty of human bonds and the difficulty of moving on.
The story takes place throughout the course of just one day, beginning with a bar manager getting the news that the community hub has no choice but to close.
Missed Connections is well staged, a heartwarming production that explores emotions surrounding the importance of physical space. It looks at the memories we associate with different locations and what happens when they are at risk.
A lot takes place on the stage, which keeps the audience entertained, though at times certain parts of the story do seem rushed. It feels there is room to explore some of the characters and their relationships with one another a bit further, whilst still keeping to the theme of fleeting and unresolved connections.
The cast’s performances are impressive, and there are instances of good comedic timing throughout which are favourably received by the audience. The characters are effective and relatable, though some are more developed than others.
Packing a lot into a one-hour play, there is definitely more to come from both Los Angeles Theatre Initiative and Missed Connections. It is clear the performers are skilled and, together, they create an engaging, endearing and sophisticated production.
