Photo Credit – William Dey
Buried – A Review
Fresh from a run in Edinburgh, the musical Buried makes its American debut at the 2019 New York Musical Festival. It comes into NYMF as a polished production which explores the relationship between two serial killers who meet one night in a bar. Yes, it is a strange topic for a musical and the story has its highs and lows. In many ways, it is a study of the mind of serial killers. However, about two thirds of the way in, the story loses its way and doesn’t evoke enough sympathy for the lead characters or anyone else. In spite of that, the music and the vocal performances are so well done that the play succeeds in those areas. There is a promising future for the creative book and music writing team as well as the performers from this show.
Background
Buried was written by students Cordelia O’Driscoll and Tom Williams while they were completing their studies at University in Sheffield in 2017. Buried premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to wide acclaim that summer, selling out all performances during their month-long run. The production went on to win the Sunday Times National Student Drama Festival Edinburgh Award, which led to further sell-out runs at the Leicester Curve and the Pleasance Theatre in London. It also won the Cameron Mackintosh Award at the 2018 National Student Drama Festival.
Cordelia O’Driscoll is the composer and lyrics writer. Tom Williams is the book and lyrics writer. He also serves as Director of this production. Perhaps his degree in Psychology gave rise to parts of this show because it examines what happens in the mind of a serial killer. Studies show they may have a difficult upbringing, they get excitement and pleasure watching their victims die, and they rarely have any remorse. This all comes through in Buried; but it can be uncomfortable to watch. Wisely, the action of a victim’s death is not shown on stage. Instead, the message of a killing taking place is implied as victims are led off stage.
The Story
The story begins with Rosie and Harry meeting people in a bar who become their victims. The first song, “When You Know, You Know” could easily be construed as a dating song. As she sits down with a man, Rosie sings:
This feeling never changes, Anticipation running through your head, You wonder what they’ll be like, you wonder who will walk through that door, You never know who you might find, Will they know what’s on your mind?
But there is a another meaning here. What is on her mind is actually this is my next victim. Excitement mounts from that connection. The same with Harry. Their methods of killing are different: Rosie uses poison while Harry kills with a knife.
One day, these two meet in the bar. After they discover each was trying to kill the other, they discuss their feelings. The song “Another Me” describes how difficult their early lives were and how they each felt different from other people. But then, they realize something else:
Just like me, In another body A dream Where I have been calling for someone And I’ve never gotten a reply – Your story in line with my life, just memories of always living on the outside I don’t think I’ve ever met another me before…
“I’ve never met another me before” expresses the surprise that they have met a fellow serial killer. They are amazed and fascinated. This might be a great opening for them to want to start new lives together. But that killer psyche is at work and they cannot do it. The show gets a little cloudy as they try to come to terms with their situation but never once do you sense remorse for what they have done. Also, there is a lack of feeling that these two are in love. You get the sense that they have a connection and that they are trying to figure how to use it to their advantage to become a team for their killings.
And thus the dilemma of serial killer and the problem with a show on this subject. You don’t feel sympathy for either one of them. Suddenly the comedy isn’t funny anymore. This is serious. Parts of it are uncomfortable to watch. And yet, it also conveys the whole concept of the serial killer mentality. Clever in making its point but not easy to digest as a musical.
Running along side of the relationship between Rose and Harry are ensemble members who act out playing on a television show that deals with psychopaths. The information that they playfully provide gives more insight into the serial killer psyche. It is a clever way to bring some research and insight into the show.
The ending may or may not surprise audiences. Seeing no way out of getting captured, Rose and Harry decide to end their lives. The song “Yesterday Forever” allows some feeling to creep through about having met someone just like themselves, “another me.” The loneliness of being what they are has at least been shared. For that, there is some gratitude.
The Music and Performers
The music is very well done in this show. Songs like “When You Know, You Know” and “Then I Released” are well written and the melodies flow nicely. “Something Ordinary” sung by Harry is a good solo number. And the music used in “The Psychopath Next Door” scenes gets the message across well.
Lindsay Manion is outstanding in the role of Rose. Her voice is strong and clear. Listening to her sing is a high point of the show. Sebastian Belli plays Harry. His characterization is well thought out and well delivered. He also has a good, strong singing voice and adds much to the musical aspect of the show.
Ensemble players are used in a variety of roles in this show and they deserve their own set of applause. This includes Niamh Finan, Laurence Hunt, Wilf Walsworth and Rebecca Yau.
Final Thoughts
Run time for this show is 90 minutes and there is no intermission.
Buried is a mixed bag. There are redeeming features such as the music and performers, but there is a problem with the tone of the story.
However, this work shows that O’Driscoll has a good future ahead of her writing music. And if she chooses to remain teamed with Williams for lyrics, then I would look forward to hearing more from then.
Visit NYMF 2019 now through August 4, 2019. For more information visit their website at nymf.org.