Review: 'Noise' a Thrilling New Theatrical Experience

What if you were to see a musical that has no protagonist and no big dance numbers, but often breaks the fourth wall and invites its audience to participate or join the ensemble onstage? Would you pass, run away, or embrace such a revolutionary event? If there is a groundbreaking musical form, it is "Noise" by Cesar Alavarez (playwright and music, "Futurity," "The Universe is a Small Hat"; music, "An Octoroon"), which omits most musical's common links and throws in a lot of new ones to bring communities together in search of "a perfect society."

Opening with a rather long, but humorous, monologue by a disembodied voice, "Noise" gives the attendees a bit of foreshadowing; there are surprises in store. You may wish to participate in these, or not. If you wish to just watch, that's okay by this ensemble – and, by the way, it's a large one. Returning Wilbury performers include Zan Berry ("Once"), Brien Lang ("Pirates of Penzance"), Cedric Lilly, Teddy Lytle, Jomo Peters ("Silhouette of a Silhouette"), Dave Rabinow, Claudia Traub, Tessa Sacramone (Violinist, Trinity Rep's "A Chrstmas Carol" '24), and Am Anahid Wyckoff.

Debut performers include Catherine Ashley, Perry Barkett, Michael Yussef Geene, and Riley Nedder. They are all talented musicians, vocalists, and improvisational masters, giving the free form of this musical its shape and sound. If this were the way to transform society, these folks would give it their all, led by Alvarez, whose songs not only are welcome audible treats, they release emotions you perhaps have bottled up. It makes for a joyful experience that, even if you choose to only watch from the comfort of your seat, will move you in more ways than one.

Choreographer Ali Kenner Brodsky ("Once," "Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet") peppers in some wild synchronized moves – not so much dance, but more like movement in unison. Matt Oxley's costume design brings an eclectic array of contemporary outfits that seem to "fit" each of the ensemble, and some wild costume changes make for some of these previously-mentioned surprises. It's a visual and auditory feast, and you can actually examine these experiences close up. The sets are adorned with props and musical instruments, and there's some digital instructions for those who wish to follow the ensemble's directions.

"Noise" is a breath of fresh air. If there's ever been a time to see and hear something new, this is it. Highly recommended and very welcome, this will not only have you smiling long after the curtain closes, but you'll be telling everyone about this new kind of experience you just had.

"Noise" is running from December 5th to the 22nd at The Wilbury Theatre Group inside the WaterFire Arts Center, 475 Valley Street, Providence 02908. For information or tickets, call 401-400-7100 or visit thewil/b>.