Friday, April 13, 2012

Working It Out

In Waiting... mom and son, Grace and GG, do not see eye to eye.  They haven't for a long time.  They've had a rocky relationship ever since their family broke apart years ago.   Because of GG's current arrest charges for vandalizing (graffiti), the court has ordered therapy for him and his mother reluctantly joins him. 

When I envisioned this scene, I heard it as through-composed - sort of a Barcelona from Company vibe going on, if you will.  There are a few different quirky motifs going on that counterpoint around and 4 different sections that take us on a musical journey with what happens between GG and Grace.  There is a lush, emotional section where the characters add their heartfelt insight.  

There is no therapist, well at least you can't see him or her.  GG and Grace address the audience as they are talking to their mystery listener.  Son and mother start out in individual sessions, and by the end of the scene/song we have a very awkward moment that builds to a climax neither of them saw coming.

Oh, sidenote - Grace is a therapist herself, which makes this song, Working It Out, even juicer. Ever been to therapy with a therapist?  Needless to say, things get interesting.