New Rock Opera (and Dance Party): Over the Line - Sat., 6/6
Here's another upcoming event likely to be of interest to Open Media Boston viewers.
After two successful debut shows at Jamaica Plain's Spontaneous Celebrations on February 4, Over The Line, a "high concept / low budget / multimedia / psychological rock opera about ideology, indoctrination, unwritten rules, and inner transformation" returns for a repeat engagement on June 2. Written by Brian O'Connell, known for his kinetic bass playing with Uncle Sammy, Gordon Stone, The Grass Gypsys, and Gary Backstrom. Brian is also an active supporter of local peace, solidarity, and occupy efforts and organized several Bush era anti-war benefit parties at Spontaneous Celebrations called "Assembling Peace".
Over The Line is a rock song cycle set in a theatrical mini-concert setting complete with larger than life sized puppet actors, theatrical narrative interludes, and a 10-piece band featuring 8 unique singers. More rock show accompanied by theater than a theatrical show with a rock band, OTL engages the listeners to reflect on social, political, philosophical, and psychological themes. Described as "like The Wall meets A Christmas Carol, minus the Christmas and unfortunately, minus Roger Waters" OTL's music is characterized by floaty pop melodies sung by a mini-choir accompanied by strange but familiar sounding chord progressions and rhythms played on guitars, glockenspiel, bass, percussion, and piano.
The large 10 member band is comprised of the full lineup of local eclectic folk-rock-jam ensemble The Grass Gypsys, which includes Justin & Colleen Kleya, Kevin Silvia, Sam Ward, Brian O'Connell; plus Kat Arrants Pettrucci & Kara Pettrucci of one of JP's best up and coming band Brief Awakening, Dave Scandurra of the activist pop-fusion band The Excited People, Brian's wife Jenna O'Connell, and Joel Ockenheim of the Choir of Universal Sound round out the full band.
Abstract puppets and masks worn by the actors which summon the traditional pagan roots of theater are designed and provided by The Boston Puppeteers Cooperative, located in the basement of Emmanuel Church in Boston.
Over The Line is a multilayer piece with the action spread out between the band on stage and puppet interludes acted in front of the stage, which are accompanied by band. The performance is at Jamaica Plain's Spontaneous Celebrations, a grassroots community center that organizes local creative arts programs and festivals such as Wake Up The Earth and the JP Pond Lantern Parade.
O'Connell says "We had so much fun presenting Over The Line at the first show in February, plus the audience response was overwhelmingly enthusiastic. What at hoot! The only proper thing to do at this point is to play this show again and invite more weird people to come experience this very strange little piece of local DIY archetypal hippie rock theatre."
After the performance of Over The Line the band will play an additional set of original music for a second half dance party segment of the show! A Cash Bar and Activist Information Tabling area will also be available.
Contact Brian O'Connell for more information at 617-947-8983, vinniechops@hotmail.com
Over The Line - A high concept / low budget / multi-media / psychological rock opera about ideology, indoctrination, unwritten rules, and inner transformation.
Written & Directed by
Brian O'Connell
Saturday, June 2, 2012
6:00pm & 9:00pm
Spontaneous Celebrations
45 Danforth Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
A few shorts steps from the Stony Brook T Stop.
With a 10-piece all star band featuring The Grass Gypsys, members of Brief Awakening, and assorted friends.
Tickets are 10$ and available at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/240824
