As a kid, I used to take comfort in thinking my life could be a narrative, just like all the heroes I read about in novels — but after seeing “Monomythical,” that same sentiment is creepy at worst. At best, it’s oh-so existential and I love it.
“Monomythical” is a new musical written by Notre Dame’s very own Solomon Duane and directed by Noah Sim. It’s truly an “Irish exclusive” and you definitely do not want to miss this one. Kate Turner shines as Hera under an ever-changing circle of spotlights. She’s ordinary, like all the best heroes plucked by fate, but she’s spectacular because everything depends on her. Claire Ann Santos, whose sweet soprano voice carries throughout her whole performance as Elise, somehow manages to come back in every scene better than before, despite her unbeatable entrance. Josh von Werder is everything as Nathan and Bryce Bustamante nails every comedic moment as Emmanuel. Even Camila Holden manages to be a revelation whenever she appears and disappears as Miss Connors at small moments in Hera’s journey.
The dialogue is bitingly funny, the songs ironically upbeat and the character development especially swift and robust. “Monomythical” spins you around and around a story cycle that never slows. By the end of it, you might wonder: Does it ever really end?
Inspired by his past experience manipulating the story arc in “Dawn’s Early Light,” Solomon Duane set to work on “Monomythical” to create a story his characters could control — except this production didn’t end up going in that direction. In “Monomythical,” the ensemble says not even the musicians are free from the story cycle. I wonder if Duane penned that line as he abandoned his original idea for Hera’s journey, realizing his omnipotent character ended up powerless anyway. Regardless, “Monomythical” is incredibly self-aware and thought-provoking. You might leave with more questions than answers, but you’ll go away feeling like an insider to some secret of the universe (a secret only your mailman knows the answer to, perhaps).
I had chills from Hera’s very first breakout in the opening song “The Monomyth” to her final fade out in the closing song “Questions and Answers.” In between it all, I laughed, I clapped and I asked myself: Are we all characters and nothing more?
“Monomythical” left me questioning reality, which I didn’t expect going into PEMCo’s tech rehearsal last Tuesday. I’d say more, but it might ruin the surprise. Just don’t take this new musical for granted and let the cycle push you forward into Washington Hall for this weekend’s performances. The script of fate is already written and it says you’ll be there.
I used to take comfort thinking my life might follow some predestined story arc as it does for the heroes of stories — but now, after seeing “Monomythical,” I am changed. The whole thing was strangely beautiful — I walked into Washington Hall thinking this was going to be a night with some laughs and left worried I might be a victim of the suburban rat race. It’s a miracle this play exists — and you should go see it.
You can experience “Monomythical” for yourself this weekend in the Washington Hall Lab Theater. The show will be playing Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 3:30 p.m and 7 p.m. Tickets are limited and can be purchased for $10 at the StaND in LaFortune Student Center or at the door. 
Are we all characters?: PEMCo presents ‘Monomythical’
Maria Tobias | The Observer
Von Werder (left) delivers an emotional performance.
Turner (center) expresses concern during a musical number.
Santos (left) and Turner (right) share an embrace.
