The Audacity of Ambition: Can 90 Minutes Capture 200 Years of Broadway?
There’s something undeniably audacious about attempting to condense two centuries of American musical theater into a 90-minute show. It’s like trying to summarize the entire history of cinema in a single tweet—ambitious, borderline absurd, and yet, strangely compelling. This is the challenge Parson’s Nose Theater in Pasadena has taken on with its season opener, A Complete History of The American Musical… in 90 minutes or less. Personally, I think this kind of boldness is exactly what local theater needs. It’s not just about the spectacle; it’s about the sheer guts to even try.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the scale of the endeavor. Nine performers, a 50-seat venue, and a narrative spanning from George M. Cohan to Stephen Sondheim. If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t just a show—it’s a high-wire act. Co-writer and music director Barry Gordon, who also narrates the piece, has described it as both “fun” and “crazy.” I’d argue it’s also a testament to the resilience and creativity of small theaters. In an era where blockbuster musicals dominate, this production feels like a love letter to the genre’s roots.
The Venue: A Chapel Turned Theater
One thing that immediately stands out is the setting. Parson’s Nose isn’t your typical theater. Housed in a 1922 mortuary chapel designed by Marston and Van Pelt, it’s a space steeped in history. The fact that this company restored the building and has been performing there since 2015 adds another layer of intrigue. What many people don’t realize is that small theaters like this often operate on razor-thin margins, yet they pay their actors above Actors’ Equity scale. It’s a reminder that passion, not profit, drives these endeavors.
The Show: A Whirlwind Tour of Musical Theater
The program itself is a masterclass in curation. Moving from Irving Berlin to Rodgers and Hammerstein, it’s not just a chronological journey but a cultural one. Gordon’s decision to include ancient Greece as a starting point in an earlier version of the show is a detail I find especially interesting. It underscores the idea that musical theater isn’t just an American invention—it’s part of a broader human tradition of storytelling through song.
But here’s the kicker: Can it really be done in 90 minutes? Gordon himself admits it’s an open question. In my opinion, the answer isn’t as important as the attempt. What this really suggests is that the history of musical theater is too rich, too complex, to ever be fully captured. And yet, the effort to do so is what makes it art.
The Broader Implications: Why This Matters
This raises a deeper question: What does it mean to preserve and celebrate a genre in an age of fleeting attention spans? Musical theater, with its elaborate sets, live orchestras, and emotional storytelling, feels almost anachronistic in 2023. Yet, productions like this remind us of its enduring power. From my perspective, it’s not just about nostalgia; it’s about relevance. By compressing 200 years into 90 minutes, Parson’s Nose is making a statement: this art form is alive, evolving, and worth your time.
Final Thoughts: A Labor of Love
As someone who’s spent years analyzing theater, I’m struck by the sheer audacity of this project. It’s a labor of love, a testament to the passion of its creators, and a challenge to its audience. Will it succeed? That’s subjective. But one thing is certain: it will be unforgettable.
If you’re in Pasadena this September, I urge you to see it. Not just for the history lesson, but for the experience of witnessing something truly unique. Because in a world where everything feels oversimplified, this show dares to be complex, chaotic, and utterly human.
Need to Know:
- Dates: Saturdays, September 12, 19, 26 at 7:00 p.m.; Sundays, September 13, 20, 27 at 3:00 p.m.
- Location: 95 North Marengo Avenue, Suite 110, Pasadena, CA 91101 (Entrance on Holly Street).
- Tickets: Available at Tix.com.
- Parking: $5 before 5:00 p.m., $10 after; free after 6:00 p.m. and on Sundays.
For more information, visit parsonsnose.com or call (626) 345-5116.
Takeaway: This isn’t just a show—it’s a statement. And in a world where statements are often reduced to soundbites, that’s something worth celebrating.
