Hello Beautiful People,
On Saturday evening, I had the pleasure and privilege of seeing A Lasting Impression, by Zoe Sarnak at Joe’s Pub. Full disclosure: like many of the artists and musicians and composers I have gotten to know over the past year, Zoe is someone who’s become a true friend. But lets not be fooled, friendships aside, that has absolutely nothing to with my feelings on this piece. Friendships aside, I’d still be gushing about this night of theatre and music.
G – U – S – H – I – N – G.
For those of you who didn’t make it, smack yourselves right now, as it was absolutely stunning.
Here’s what the press will say when you do your homework and research about this show…
A Lasting Impression is the story of two sisters, Kali, a composer, and Simone, a painter, told through the eyes of a jaded young journalist, Josh, who is searching for his “next big story.” As Josh recounts his interviews with these two artists living in modern-day Brooklyn with their mother, he uncovers the secrets of a crumbling family. Through musical and visual elements, the sisters’ artwork is woven through Josh’s narrative. A Lasting Impression is about the impact we make through love and art.
Here’s what I think you need to know, in addition to all that –
A Lasting Impression is about explores the idea of how art influences our lives, and how our lives influence our art. A Lasting Impression is a story about family, and those moments that test the bonds of blood. How far are you willing to go to protect and take care of the ones that you love? And at what cost? A Lasting Impression is about love and all its dimensions – love for a mother, a sister, and a lover. It’s about love for music and for art, that primal love for art that just fuses with every fiber of your being; it’s about the passion of creating that defines ones being, the type of passion that gives you life, the type of passion that should it be taken away, well, it’d be like taking away ones oxygen.
As far as Saturday night’s performance, well, Meghann Fahy, Andrew Kober ,Krista Pioppi, Taylor Noble, Alice Ripley, Preston Sadleir, and Kacie Sheik were absolutely outstanding. From the vocal talents, to the acting chops – this cast did not miss a beat, and they worked together like a well-oiled machine.
Favorite moments? Anytime Fahey, Ripley, and Sheik had moments together. Those moments, the ones about family, about love, about protection – they were bliss. When this was over, I looked around me, and it was absolutely moving to see so many people weeping, smiling, and utterly moved.
A Lasting Impression is a show that hits you in the gut, heart, soul, and mind…all at the same time. It’s the type of show that makes you want to be a better artist, sibling, lover, child, and friend.
I can only hope that the Producer Powers that Be will smile down upon this show and give it a longer life in a theatre on day, it’s that good.
Live, Love, Learn,