By Sandi Durell . . .
Once again, pop culture contemporary composer/lyricist Joe Iconis, the great purveyor of all things humanity, sets the record on a path of understanding life and all its flaws. Iconis is the composer of Broadway’s “Be More Chill” (and so many more) in case you didn’t have that information.
His latest show at 54 Below is a compilation of many of the shows he’s written stirring up new thoughts, ideas, emotions about human frailties, strengths, weaknesses and the secrets we hide. In this milieu, he has gathered his family of uber-talented friends to express it all.
Starting the evening off in true Iconis style, we find the ever-talkative Joe (yes, he does like to talk) give life to the title song “Album” – his 40-track collection of 5 vinyl records (you remember those!) just released, giving rise to what genius is all about . . .
“In ancient times the word “album” meant a tablet painted white
On which was chiseled an edict or decree
At least that’s what Google told me
When I looked the word up for this song . . .
An artist put his idea
Upon a stone or a page
He’d use a chisel or quill
Whatever tool made sensе for the age . . .
But sometimes critics would murder all the artists
Throw their bodies and their albums in a trough
And the tablets were destroyed
But their ideas had been deployed so new artists picked up where the dead ones had left off . . .
And I find this moving
All the while proving
An album’s not forever
An album’s not forever
The imaginative Joe Iconis definitely has the quirk factor that inspires him.
And so, bringing the family together was an evening that mostly concentrated on the many shows and ideas he has and is now working on including “Andy’s Song” which he hoped would be included in the film 40 Year Old Virgin, brought to life by Jeremy Morse who also showed off his hoofing talents.
Poor Liz Lark Brown is the “Saddest Girl in the World” who doesn’t want much. . . just somebody to spoon with while Jason SweetTooth Williams promised not to write a song about the girl he broke up with (a funny story) but can he keep the promise?
Lance Rubin sang the tale of “Norman” and Nick Blaemire (“Kevin”) was numb to life’s emotions “can’t feel a thing anymore . . . all been done before.” The song has a particularly great rhythm and is filled with lots of passion.
But it was Lorinda Lisitza, so jealous and bitter, she just doesn’t know how to channel all the hate she has for the gal who seems to have a winning life and even does Yoga exercises! (“Helen Sharp”).
Picking up the pace and the beat was a noteworthy 40’s style stand-alone upbeat song sung by Lauren Marcus – “Out of Sight/Out of Mind.”
Songs from Bloodsong of Love – described as a spaghetti western – was accomplished by Eric William Morris and Morgan Siobhan Green along with the entire cast as they filled the room. Morris also hoped to get his woman back in “Find the Bastard” also from Bloodsong of Love.
Katrina Rose Dideiksen is trying to change herself in “Lisa” from The Black Suits. Jared Weiss freed himself from the past in Haddonfield, 15 Years Later (for Judith). Brooke Shapiro (with full cast) offered up “The Prisoner’s Christmas Song” – I committed a crime at Christmas time and won’t be comin’ home” – pure, silly fun as the audience filled in the emphasis.
George Salazar gave real meaning to the hot, swingin’ “Song of the Brown Buffalo” from the upcoming, much talked about The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical . . . “I’m the trouble you’ve been lookin’ for. . .” I believe it!
This all-encompassing evening of music came to a close with Jason SweetTooth Williams “The Goodbye Song”- thanks for listening. . . be good. . . don’t forget me. . .
Lest I forget, the top notch musicians, deserving of multi kudos, who make up the band led by Iconis, are Nick Frenay, Ian Kagey, Vaibu Mohan, Devon Meddock, Jimmy O’Connell, Josh Plotner, Rob Rokicki, Mike Rosengarten, Brent Stranathan.
If you’re a seeker of truth and the shared feelings we think are unique but really aren’t – wanting to be and give love, to belong and feel hope rather than despair – then an evening spent with Joe Iconis and Family will definitely raise your consciousness level.
Joe Iconis & Family @ www.54Below.org 7 pm June 12th, 14th thru 17th!
Photos: Sandi Durell
