Jordan Wright
February 17, 2018
John Sygar, Natascia Diaz, Luke Smith and Robbie Schaeffer in LIGHT YEARS. Photo by Christopher Mueller.
Artistic Director, Eric Schaeffer, presents us with yet another world premiere musical. This time it’s a tender tale of a father and son who go in and out of each other’s lives over a period of decades. Light Years features the music, lyrics, and book by Robbie Schaefer (no relation to Eric). Robbie is a member of Eddie from Ohio (EFO), a Northern Virginia indie/folk/rock band known for their beautifully blended four-part harmonies.
It’s part concert, part sentimental journey. Three guitar playing performers play Robbie – John Sygar as Young Robbie, Luke Smith as Middle Robbie and Robbie Schaefer as the adult Robbie. Veteran actor Bobby Smith plays Robbie’s Jewish father, Konnie, a man reticent to share his past as a former White House economist. Natascia Diaz becomes Robbie’s wife, Annie, and Kara-Tameika Watkins, his friend, Amelia, but not before the two play backup singers Chantelle and Soma who lay down harmonies for the band during their tours in the 90’s.
John Sygar, Kara-Tameika Watkins, Robbie Schaefer, Natascia Diaz, and Luke Smith in LIGHT YEARS. Photo by Christopher Mueller
Framed by video projection screens and a simple concert-style stage, this no-intermission, 90-minute musical hints at Konnie’s peripatetic past – one that has him fleeing Nazi-occupied Romania for Israel, then later emigrating to the U. S. “Everything is temporary,” Konnie repeatedly warns Robbie. But it’s only towards the very end of the story that we, and Robbie, learn of his father’s tragic beginnings. Up till then there is only a child’s confusion, and ours as the audience, as to why his father seems unable to connect. Ultimately when Robbie has his own wife and family, can they express understanding and compassion towards one another. But is it too late?
Shaefer’s music is of the story-telling kind, a there are fifteen songs filled with joy and heartbreak, disappointment and redemption. Its sweet melodies and pitch-perfect harmonies will please those who enjoy a laid back concert-style experience.
Through February 18th at Signature Theatre (Shirlington Village), 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206. For tickets and information call 703 820-9771 or visit www.sigtheatre.org.