"Flawed but promising 'Original Sound,' the rare new play that pays attention to how the modern pop-culture sausage is made...From what we can hear in the show, the song is the rare piece of fictional art that is as good as everybody says it is, so much so that the 'Original Sound' producers might consider making a video for it. The show is on wobblier footing when it comes to the underdeveloped supporting characters."
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"The exploitation theme is a lot more compelling than the selfishness theme, which plays out too familiarly in situations with Danny’s sister and with his roommate. But the best scene is about neither: at the center of the play is a gorgeous extended musical sequence between Danny and Ryan that captures the magic moment when a collaboration clicks."
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"Enthralling new play...A former music journalist, Seidel thrillingly dramatizes contract negotiations and jam sessions, making them accessible and exciting for the lay viewer...Under the nuanced direction by Elena Araoz, we watch as Danny slowly cracks her shell, transforming 'Original Sound' into something more complicated...Both of these musicians emerge as distance swimmers, paddling across a sea of failed ambition and trying not to drown."
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"A fresh and frenetic take on the promise and perils of guarding intellectual content in the music industry...Araoz directs a top-notch cast through 17 choppy scenes. I longed for more time with the members of Danny's family...'Original Sound' avoids tripping over itself by staying out of the courtroom and focusing on what's behind the music...Critical to keeping 'Original Sound' in tune are the generous notes of authenticity along the way."
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“The eternal heartbreak of show business is given a fresh spin in playwright Adam Seidel’s exhilarating contemporary drama, ‘Original Sound’ that skewers the music industry. Mr. Seidel’s scenario has many familiar elements, but the writing is impeccable, the performances are superior, and it’s electrically presented...’Original Sound’ skillfully dramatizes the toll that following one’s dreams takes on personal relationships with sour honesty.”
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“When someone we are rooting for gets their big break...we jump to our feet...That’s what makes reality TV so compelling, and also what makes ‘Original Sound’ so exciting...The original music...is wonderful and sublime...The cast, across the board, spot on...A cautionary tale of what happens when we justify our every move with motivated reasoning – adapting all reasoning of our actions to meet our needs. It is the play that resonates our time now in history.”
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"The drama finds a harmonious rapport within the pairing of the young and enthusiastic musician and songwriter Danny Solis...and the struggling-to-remain-relevant pop star Ryan Reed...The combativeness and conflicts sometimes feel like one too many instrumental layers on a track...but when the former music journalist Seidel aims at the creation of a momentous sound, the play works intrinsically, building a compelling and thoughtful song and story forward for us all to engage with."
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"It seems like a simple story, but it gets a bit complicated with some twists and turns that can keep you intrigued throughout the ninety minutes...The entire cast does a remarkable job juggling the small space and emphasizing the ever-changing locations under the meticulous direction of Elena Araoz. The production is clean, lean, and smart, drawing the audience into the story with words and music supported by raw emotion and transpicuous vulnerability."
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