Ghost Quartet

One of the theater world's best new composers is enjoying the Boston spotlight thanks to American Repertory Theater. Dave Malloy's most recent hit, "Ghost Quartet," is currently playing a very limited run at ART's Oberon through Saturday. It is a piece that both theater lovers as well as lovers of contemporary music should make a point to see.

Boston audiences may remember Mr. Malloy from his previous appearances at ART -- "Three Pianos" in 2011 and "Beowulf - A Thousand Years of Baggage" in 2013. Later this year, we will also have the opportunity to experience his critically acclaimed "Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812" based on "War & Peace."

Falling somewhere between a concert and a play, "Ghost Quartet" is a contemporary song cycle presented as a concept album. The four performers -- Mr. Malloy among them -- each play multiple instruments throughout and announce track numbers as they go. The dialogue is minimal, yet over roughly 90 minutes, the cast explores love, family, death, loss as well as the benefits of a little whiskey.

The show weaves together multiple story lines that cover seven centuries, while including references to "Arabian Nights," "The Fall of the House of Usher," the music of Thelonious Monk, and the story of a subway murder. The experience can be a bit disorienting and occasionally confusing yet by the end it all makes sense somewhere in the back of your mind.

The cast -- Mr. Malloy, Brittain Ashford, Gelsey Bell, and Brent Arnold -- are all master musicians as well as storytellers. You may experience occasional chills not just from the tales being told, but also from the wonderful music these four produce. Myriad musical styles fold and blend into each other to create a whole new form.

A simple set consisting of a layer of rugs, some chandeliers, and a few old lamps provides a warm and cozy environment for the evening. You can imagine a wild storm raging outside, while the cast weaves their tale for you. It's the perfect setting for some ghost stories.

The audience surrounds the performance space with a combination of chairs and floor cushions. And while the actors look directly at the audience during moments, they seem to really be looking through you. The effect is to make you feel like the ghost.

Providing any more information would be a disservice to this show. It is one that has to be experienced to be appreciated. The themes are broad and universal and it's doubtful that any two people will walk away with exactly the same impressions.

The only "problem" with the production on opening night was that there were empty seats. Take the time to re-arrange your schedule and catch "Ghost Quartet" while you can.

Ghost Quartet runs September 9 through September 12 at Oberon, 2 Arrow Street, Cambridge, MA. For more information visit the American Repertory Theater website.