Asserting identity is a theme in two recent musical offerings, the operatic Stonewall and Dave Malloy’s a cappella piece Octet. Malloy’s work at the Signature Center focuses on a group of technology addicts at a twelve-step meeting and, like Stonewall, features a diverse and engaging score and employs multiple, single-trait characters whose lives intersect. Though the characterizations are a bit thin, a fascinating, believable world is created.
Malloy, who wrote music, lyrics, book and vocal arrangements, investigates and illuminates the attractions of digital dating, video games, conspiracy theory websites, and vlogging, though ravishing and hypnotic vocalizing by a spectacular cast. Though the action drags and becomes repetitive after an hour, Annie Tippe’s clever direction, aided by Christopher Bowser’s versatile lighting and Amy Rubin and Brittany Vasta’s detailed, realistic community-hall set, keep our attention focused.
