NOISE Musical Dazzles at Wilbury Theatre Group in Providence

Prepare yourself for something uniquely amazing as Wilbury Theatre Group presents NOISE, a deeply introspective new musical directed by Dante Green. NOISE, the brainchild of writer/composer César Alvarez, brings together an exemplary team of interdisciplinary musicians, actors, and creative collaborators for an exploration on what musical theater can be.

NOISE Musical Feels Like a Party of Music History!

Wilbury bills NOISE as an incisive and joyful new work. A musical-in-the-making. A kind of party! A bunch of musicians decide society is broken, and since music is the blueprint for everything, they set out to make music that models a society they actually want to live in. If something is broken, you must tear it down to rebuild it. Here, “To create a new society, we need to create new music!” At one point, the performers individually give their name then tell us, “Society isn’t working for me today because…,” sharing whatever personal peeve, or perceived flaw they have.

Wilbury also says NOISE is a participatory theatrical celebration that sings across the history of music, and into the future, in a collective effort to invent a better world. As the show unravels into a dreamlike explosion of song and dance, the audience steps into a creative role. All performers are talented singers—many also play musical instruments—and share their enthusiasm with you as you’re prompted to join in.

“We’re incredibly proud to be bringing another one of César’s genre-pushing works to our stage,” says Wilbury’s Artistic Director Josh Short. “I became aware of NOISE when I went to see César’s earliest workshop production of it in 2016, and since then I haven’t been able to get it out of my head. It’s a smart, funny, and beautiful work of art that leads with a community-based approach in a way that resonates so strongly with the work we do here at Wilbury Theatre Group. And with the cast of amazing local artists, musicians, and actors we’ve assembled, I couldn’t be more excited to see how they help shape the evolution of this new musical in collaboration with our audiences.”

The cast of 13 features Cat Ashley (rocking the synthesizer and bass guitar with longer fingernails. Respect.), Perry Barkett, Zan Berry, Michael Yussuf Greene, Brien Lang, Cedric Lily, Teddy Lytle, Riley Nedder, Jomo Peters, Dave Rabinow, Tessa Sacramone, Claudia Traub, and Am Wyckoff. Berry plays conductor for an immersive experience after separating everyone into a triad, and also uniquely straps his cello to his chest. Greene is a fabulous mermaid, singing about body perks and quirks. You have to be there.

Ready yourself to be pleasantly surprised. You will be invited to come on stage—no pressure—and be a part of the experience. As performer/guitarist Rabinow indicates in the production, “We’re not forcing anyone to perform. We are, however, making sure you’re not invisible!” Step outside of introversion and onto the stage. Be seen. It’s a safe space where you will feel uplifted and empowered! “Eat that snack food!” You may never again see lollipops, cheese balls or sweet potatoes the same way.

Noise is presented through December 22. Read about the participatory experience at www.thewilburygroup.org or choose to be completely surprised!