By Will Hite
Theater Bug, a non profit organization based in Nashville, and MA2LA collaborated to produce the explosive, groundbreaking Quaranteened, a virtual musical about the lives of a high school choir group who strive to put on a virtual show while also figuring out how to help out a grieving classmate. The musical was written and produced by teenagers living in quarantine in Nashville during the pandemic. Very few pieces can speak for a generation during COVID-19 but this production is an exception. It uses the limitations forced by quarantine to its advantage and in the process, changes the entire dynamic of storytelling. While the ‘action’ seems limited or rather nearly non-existent, the storytelling functions through the scene transitions and manifests itself through text messages, social media, and of course, musical numbers.
Quaranteened, directed by Cori Anne Laemmel, contains many different themes including love, family, passion, loss and isolation. However, the major theme of this film appears to be friendship, both with the opening presentation of the cast reminiscent of those beloved 90s and early 2000s after school specials, as well as the way that many of the plot lines center around building each other up. The theme also rings true not only through the songs and conversations but also through the production team themselves, considering how each of them had a role in writing the script. In addition, their camaraderie makes itself known throughout the film with the use of archival and B-roll footage that takes away some of the performative aspects of the piece and allows the audience to see another side of both the characters and the artists.
The story itself has a solid narrative, but it’s the music and the voices of these young actors that helps lift this story to new heights. Whatever they can’t say or do on Zoom, they can belt out in a tune. That not only elaborates the situation for the audience but also allows us to relate to each character on a personal level. The composers do not place the music in one genre but rather experiment with different musical styles for each actor, providing a sense of diversity as well as unity in the ensemble. Furthermore, with each song, the editors and designers of the musical help provide a level of surrealness with visually stimulating graphics and omnipresent transitioning.
Years from now, when future generations ask about 2020, COVID-19, and quarantine, they should watch this video to see not only how this generation felt about it, but also how they dealt with it.
I would give this film 4 out of 5 stars.
Will Hite is a senior at Connecticut College and is from New Orleans, Louisiana. He’s studying theater and film and is currently aspiring to be a screenwriter.
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