Cages

I'm a huge fan of immersive theater. Like, a HUGE fan. So when Cages was announced, I was definitely interested.

I had no idea what to expect. A musical? a steampunk musical? An IMMERSIVE steampunk musical? I dunno, man. Those are all very different lanes. What if the music is cheesy and ill-timed? What if the theme is cliche? What if I hate it?

Well, good news, I didn't hate it. I LOVED it!

When you arrive at Cages, you approach a large, unassuming warehouse in Los Angeles. There is a line of people waiting to enter as you check in with the cast member at the door and are assigned to a group.

**SPOILERS!! SCROLL TO THE STARS FOR NO SPOILER INFO AND REVIEW**

When it is time, your group enters a room filled with books and turn-of-the-century scientific knick-knacks. The main focal point of the room is a mirror. You eyes are so drawn to the mirror that you hardly notice the woman standing stoically in the corner. She beckons you to enter further and once everyone has filled the room, she does a small performance that ends with her facing the mirror, where her reflection is amplified with a beating, red heart in her chest. We all stare, transfixed for a moment before it disappears and we are encouraged to move a bookshelf, revealing a secret door.

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We are led to a workshop, where the current experiment focuses on creating the perfect beverage (or something? It's a bar, but a super classy bar). If you arrived early enough, you are able to grab a drink and a seat and people watch while you enjoy the incredible atmosphere. Technology abounds here to set the mood, so it would definitely behoove you to sit and take it all in. Notice how things change around the room. Notice how the sights and sounds have taken you far from Los Angeles and into the chemists's lab. If you are lucky, you may even interact with some of the citizens of this new world you find yourself in. You probably have a lot of questions- they are probably not going to answer them. Because that would spoil the fun.

An alarm sounds and you are beckoned to the theater for an execution (that escalated quickly). As you walk down a small hallway in what looked and felt like a back alley in some retro-futuristic city, you pass room and doors that, again, bring up more questions. So. Many. Questions. But that's good. You sit in that for a moment, as you note that the fact you WANT to know means you're here- you're into it.

Note: You are allowed to bring drinks into the theater- so plan accordingly if that's something you are interested in.

You enter the small theater and find your seat. Now, my immersive theater brain at this point has NO IDEA what to expect. This theater is so small! Will we be leaving it? I'm in a exposed, font row! I going to be touched at some point? Should I be ready to get up or get comfortable?

The ensemble enters, mechanically. You notice a common theme among the signs on the walls and the landscape of the performers' tones. NO EMOTIONS! OF ANY KIND. The executioner enters and the man on trial is escorted in. Wait- who is that? What did he do? Are we really gonna watch him die (obviously not really, but you know what I mean- what a way to open a musical!)? MORE QUESTIONS.

The show begins. I won't give away the show, but this is the part where I say that all those questions get answered. The technology used it top-notch and the music! I was so blow-away by the music that I stayed after to ask lots of questions. I'll get to those at the end. The music is catchy and filled with emotion. The show itself is meant to question whether emotion has any place in a logical society and what it might look like if emotion were illegal, especially love. If there is not art without emotion, what lengths would you go to to preserve expression?

There is an intermission where you encouraged to partake in the chemists' experiments as you watch more ensemble members interact with the space. Who knows, you may be beckoned into a quiet corner for a one-on-one experience. Be open to it! It's magic. It is at this point that you notice the small forest next to the laboratory. Ok, YOU might notice it sooner, but this is when it clicked for me. Especially in the context of the show. You may also notice a small faucet or tap in the main tree. It's an absinthe tap. Ask about it!

The second act wraps the show up in a very satisfying way. I won't tell you more than that, but it's an emotional ending for a lot of reasons and- what can I say, the music just keeps getting better! And the ensemble cast returns to share their talents once again. And man, are those some talented folks.

I stayed after to ask the creators some questions because I was VERY curious. There is one musician creating ALL of the tunes you hear live (except for maybe like, 2? You'll see). Basically, if you hear an instrument, he's playing it. Talk about talent! Benjamin Romans is not only the musician also the composer for all the music. He and the male romantic lead/ soloist co-wrote the lyrics. So this show is their brainchild, their baby! And it shows! That explains why each song is perfectly tailored to fit CJ Baran's incredible voice. (I mention this because I as wondering where they found such a perfect voice, and it turns out the voice was part of the foundation of this experience)

I was also curious about casting. At times it feels obvious that the female performer is not the vocalist. It adds to the other-worldly, slightly uneasy feeling that you get from the show all-together, and it especially highlights the struggle to hide emotions in this world. Benjamin shared with me that the vocalist is a Swedish musician named Frida Sundemo, while the performer is a close friend, Allison Harvard. Frida's voice is so unique and has an almost crystal-like quality to it. Match Friday's vocals with the stunning, chiseled features of Allison and you get a character who is equal parts delicate and strong, multifaceted and transparent.

Overall, this show it ambitious, but it has the passion, technology, and talent to deliver. It is a work of art with veins of German impressionism, steampunk, and techno? Go see it, and tell me what you think!!

Tips for experiencing:

• Arrive early! There is so much to experience!

• If you plan to drink, eat before you come and Uber

• If you enjoy the show, stay after and chat with the folk around you! You never know who you'll run into! The bar stay open after the show.

• If you are sensitive to loud noises, bring earplug as the show definitely cranks up the volume a few times

• If you are sensitive to strobing lights, this show may not be for you, unfortunately

• If you want to have a one-on-one interaction with a performer ( you do! I promise. They aren't scary so there's no need to be afraid, you will not find yourself onstage, and the interactions are very short, but definitely help you feel more engaged with the world) try not to get too deep into conversation during intermission and try not to be in a big group. Performers will be less likely to engage with you if they have to interrupt a conversation or will have an audience.

Click here for more information on Cages

Click here to listen to music by Frida Sundemo

Click here to watch the trailer for Cages