Rarely does one get the chance to watch three preteens be chased around in circles by talking lizards, along with a calculus-obsessed bandit. So unusual is this situation that it is actually not that shocking when these atypical characters break out in song.
This odd-sounding scenario is precisely what "Eyota," Torn Ticket II and Bare Bodkin's collaborative workshop production, has to offer. A playful coming of age story, this show is the epitome of musical theater: fun, expressive and a great demonstration of emotional extremes.
The most impressive characteristic of this fairytale is that it was conceived almost entirely in the mind of one person: Tufts sophomore Kris Coombs. Coombs wrote, directed and composed the production, a process he began as a sophomore in high school.
"It started out as a Japanese Speech Contest story," says Coombs. "I was trying to write something that the Japanese culture could appreciate, but that translates into every other culture as well. The title 'Eyota' comes from the Japanese 'kanji' meaning courage, bravery and strength. It's about the main character realizing his adulthood, which is something that we can all relate to as college students."
Courage, bravery and strength are certainly the main themes of the show, which centers on the timid Jabari (freshman Peter Moore) as his 13th birthday approaches and he begins to prepare for his Eyota, or coming of age ceremony. Because Jabari is afraid that he won't pass his Eyota, and therefore never learn "man things," he goes to his grandfather (freshman Mike Sidebottom) and grandmother (sophomore Stacy White) to ask for advice. They tell him of three mystical items spread throughout the countryside that, when united, make a person brave.
Jabari, assisted by his two friends Sholera (sophomore Natalie Buzzeo) and Philomena (sophomore Amanda Casale), decides to try to find these objects. Needless to say, adventure ensues.
"I like to think of it as an action bar mitzvah," says freshman Will Ehrenfeld, the show's music director.
"Eyota" has proven to be an adventure not only for its characters but also for the students involved in the show. For many, this was their first time working with theater at Tufts.
"It's like the freshman show, but without mentors," said Coombs, "I have to guide a lot of the process."
But although many of those involved are new to Tufts theater, Coombs says the cast and crew of "Eyota" performed admirably despite the challenges they faced in the weeks leading up to the show's performance. There was difficulty competing with other student groups for rehearsal and performance space. A lead character was unable to attend rehearsals due to a bout of mono. Another actor became seriously ill and unfortunately had to quit the show four days before opening night.
"Everything that could malfunction did," says Coombs, "From a technical aspect, it was a director's worst nightmare."
Several of the people involved in "Eyota" also participated in "The Mystery of Edwin Drood," which ran last weekend. Coombs himself was assistant pit director and played three instruments for "Drood," demonstrating a musical expertise which is evident in the songs he composed for his own show.
The busy schedule of the cast and crew has only gotten increasingly stressful in the face of finals, but despite the technical difficulties and many late-night headaches, they have thoroughly enjoyed their involvement in the show.
"I loved when [the director] told me to be ridiculous," says freshmen Julia Gmeniner, who plays the Bandit, "It's pure fun, which is quite a contrast to most theater, which I feel is becoming very dark and serious."
Coombs agrees that "Eyota" is different than other shows at Tufts this semester. "There have been a lot of mentally challenging shows this semester that deal with big issues. Even 'Drood' had a dark, morbid undertone," he said. "[But] Eyota is very lighthearted. It's about the childishness in us, about the person you were before adulthood and remembering who that was. It's a stark contrast to the other shows and a refreshing change of pace."
