WYRD: A Musical UnFairytale is, on the surface, about a woman in an abusive relationship, but the production has lots of layers to explore. After leaving her boyfriend’s place, the main character becomes lost in a bog, where she meets the hags that live there. As she cannot find the path back to the city on her own, she makes a deal with the hags to help them with their ritual, and in return they promise to help her find the path.
The very beginning of the show—which is directed by Britt Small (read our interview with Small here)—is slower in pace, and it almost doesn’t feel cohesive with the rest of the first act. I understand the plot needs to be set up, but it takes too long to get into the actual story. However, it picks up its pace when the hilarious and lively hags make their first entrance and meet the woman.
The lights came up for intermission much sooner than I expected—it’s not ideal to be taken out of the moment just when I started to feel like I was really getting into the story. However, the second half does a good job of jumping back into the story quickly, right where it leaves off.
The set design is a mix between cottagecore and woodland fairy aesthetic. When paired with the right lighting, it really gives the feel of an eerie fairytale bog. The set is on the simpler side when you start boiling down the elements that are used, but it’s effective to create the atmosphere this show required.
Although WYRD is comedic on the surface level, if you start peeling back the layers, you may realize there is a much deeper meaning to be found. The storyline is just one big beautiful metaphor.
Throughout the performance, the musical numbers include very typical musical theatre, classical, and rock; this demonstrates a large range in the performers. They’re all very committed to the story and their roles, no matter how big or small they are.
WYRD satirizes the patriarchy while at the same time portraying what it’s like to be in the mind of someone who’s suffering from an abusive relationship. It’s definitely not a typical musical. The show has a dark aspect to it, but it gives equal room to breathe and have some good laughs. WYRD is truly like nothing I’ve ever seen before.
WYRD: A Musical UnFairytale
Various times,
Thursday, May 18
to Saturday, May 20
Various prices,
Metro Theatre
atomicvaudeville.com