Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Jacob Brandt’s unlikely new musical 1969: THE SECOND MAN is wistful, sweet, and unexpectedly moving

• By drediman
• September 7, 2018
• No Comments

Paris Ellsworth, Jacob Brandt, and Maya Sharpe in “1969: The Second Man” at Next Door at New York Theatre Workshop.

Last night at New York Theatre Workshop (via its relatively new Next Door programming, now in its second year), I attended a performance of 1969: The Second Man, a wistful, sweet, and unexpectedly moving new Off-Broadway musical conceived and written by (and also starring) Jacob Brandt. The musical tells the nonfictional story of Buzz Aldrin, the all-but-forgotten second man to have stepped on the surface of the moon (second after Neil Armstrong, of course). An unlikely topic for a musical, for sure.

The piece calls to mind another affecting NYTW alum, the Bengson’s Hundred Days, in that it presents its narrative unassumingly as a rock concert. And just like that other piece, the song cycle gradually accumulates dramatic potency and dimension as it unfolds (quite literally across time and space). 1969: The Second Man ends up being a meditation on a number of things – time, fame, ego, the fragility/tragedy of life. I credit book writer Dan Giles and director Jaki Bradley for sensitively bringing an understated elegance and pervasive sadness to Buzz’s story. I particularly found their delicate portrayal of Buzz’s resigned, dignified sacrifice and aching melancholy at being so close to lifelong fame to be moving.

The main event here is Mr. Brandt’s pop/folk/rock score, and it’s a winner. Although some of his sweet and tangy songs sound just a tad like stuff you might have heard before, there’s a certain tenderness and careful attention to craft that make them a joy to listen to. Mr. Brandt’s lyrics, in particular, have a beguiling way of being both specific to the narrative while coming across as generic enough to be radio-friendly. Like Buzz himself, the talented, attractive six-piece band, led by Mr Brandt himself (as Buzz), acquit themselves admirably and selflessly. Indeed, they not only play multiple instruments, they also each play a number of the roles required by the text, with grace and simplicity.

RECOMMENDED

1969: THE SECOND MAN
Off-Broadway, Musical
Next Door at New York Theatre Workshop
1 hour, 20 minutes (without an intermission)
Through September 8