Backing Track is an exploration of community, grieve and identity. A journey that is taking on the tracks of karaoke through the human spirit. Starting a new life after an incredible lost is a journey all on its own. A family is learning what it means to live after lost in this journey that a lot like life, has its ups and downs.
Safety Precautions
All patrons will have to show their vaccination cards. Masks must be worn the entire time as well. Arrive in enough time to ensure you are able to show your vaccination card and ID.
Eric Thomas’ Backing Track
Acclaimed writer, Eric Thomas uses something as simple as karaoke tracks to showcase life with grief. If you have ever experienced grief you know the hole that is left. Picking up the pieces seem simple and yet so complex. Grief of what the next steps are is real. The questions on how to re-establish this new life without a loved one is center stage. How to navigate what’s been left behind is a human reality. I sat and saw the interactions with the family of characters and as funny, caring, somber, and real. It was one of the most excellent journeys of grieve I have seen in quiet some time.
Community and Gentrification
Everyone who has ever lived in an urban neighborhood knows what it’s like to see gentrification at its best. The way builders and investors put profit over community is real. As Mel is now giving the house of her late Partner, to their son, Avery. She is now in the midst of making changes. She has to decide what will benefit community as she struggles accepting life after the death of her Partner. Death changes you. Many are having to learn who their existence is and Avery and his sister, Jessica are making the best out of it as they can too.
Members of the community are being pushed out, familiar places changing, and many finding a way to cope with the growing change is sobering. Also learning to embrace others is key too. The balance of letting others in and realizing that they too may be more like you than you expected.
Karaoke-the Track of Life
If you are a fan of Celine Dion you will absolutely love the references. Also the movie, Titanic is a huge part of this production as it is the favorite movie of Avery and Jessica’s deceased Mother. Will life really go on? It’s a question that is introduced as an underlying theme. Avery is learning to open his heart to love as he interacts with his online dating friend, Abraham. Opening his heart, is more about his feelings surrounding his Mother’s death. It’s like life was stopped. He is a cruise ship karaoke singer. He is used to being what he needs to be at the moment on the ship. However as much as he tries to avoid life; life has a way of knocking on the door.
New Mom Struggles
Jessica too is struggling with her life as well. A new baby is a beautiful thing. However a new baby when you either don’t have your Mom there for those moments makes you question yourself. How will she parent a child while grieving?
Nuances and Comedic Relief
Expect an emotional rollercoaster. There are so many nuggets of wisdom that were dropped. For instance when Mel is struggling with the new gadgets of the home her Son in law installed. I laughed so hard because watching my own family members deal with nuances is comical. Accepting that as life changes it’s okay to ask for help, or be uncomfortable as life shifts. Learning to see the good and allowing that good to set your free to live. This production is about 2 hours and 20 minutes with one intermission. Make it an experience. There are several local restaurants and bars that you can visit before or after that support the theatre.
Backing Track Production Team
I loved how not just the show being fused like a karaoke track, so was the stage in a sense. It reminded me of listening to my old CD player. The digital one that sometimes gave the titles and number of the tracks as you played. I really enjoyed the way the stage was framed. Also good singing always gets me. The actors and actresses are extremely talented. I loved the diversity but I wouldn’t have expected anything less from Arden Theatre Company.
A special thank you to Arden Theatre Company and Bryan Buttler Media Relations for having me. When I saw Eric Thomas as the writer, I knew it would be something I couldn’t miss. Back Tracking is now in production until April 10th. Get your tickets now.
