Quote of the Day: Sea Cabinet is a song-cycle of linked songs about memory, obsession, love, and the sea. A woman walks the beach alone, obsessively collecting every discarded and wash-up object she finds. She takes them home to catalogue with the care and rigor of a scientist. Each item sings with the memory of a secret sea-set story. from the program notes for Theatre Elision’s Sea Cabinet, Music and Lyrics by Gwyneth Herbert and Fiona Bevan, Book by Heidi James, running through May 18, 2024 at the Elision Playhouse in Crystal, MN. 

Image by Christine Wade, Theatre Elision, Sea Cabinet, May 9-18 at Elision Playhouse.

Sea Cabinet is a gorgeous score that pulls you into the dreamy, yet turbulent, tides of the sea. I brought my son and daughter-in-law to the show (a lovely Mother’s Day weekend outing) as well as two college students who enjoy theater. We all loved this performance. Bridger said that it was like the ocean. At first you’re on the surface, and everything seems good. As the story and songs progressed it got deeper, and a little darker. 

Kyara wrote a mini review on their drive home: Mesmerizing, hypnotizing, analyzing. That’s what that play was. It was amazing. The harmonies were just so good. I couldn’t think of anything else. There were parts I felt like I was walking on the sea with her. The way the ocean scenes changed in the background, the way they walked around, the ambience of the whole thing was astounding. 10/10 would recommend and go again.

We were all fascinated by the gorgeous music, the performers, their voices, and the unique way they used instruments. They turned a suitcase into a drum, ran their hands through beads, like sea glass chimes, and blew into bottles for the low tones, to name a few. They also play numerous instruments: piano, violin, guitar, and a xylophone. All of the singers have gorgeous voices and blend beautifully and hauntingly in their harmonies. They are Emily Dussault (The Champagne Drops), Vanessa Gamble (from Bucket Brigade Theater), Bex Gaunt (also an award-winning violinist) and Christine Wade, Managing Director and Vocal Director and teacher at Elision Theatre. Harrison Wade is the Music Director and pianist. Lyndsay Fitzgerald is the Director and Designer for the show. Miles Whealy is on percussion, and Chet Goldsberry-Hill played Bass. During the performance, they project images of the sea creating an effect that feels like we’re on the shores with the performers and the elements they are singing about. 

Here’s a little teaser trailer of the show:

Once again, Theatre Elision has brought together exceptional musicians and a creative team to bring to life a hauntingly beautiful production. Their Ghost Quartet, an annual atmospheric song-cycle in October, packs the house and brings people back year after year. Their performances of In the Green this Spring had several sold-out performances. Sea Cabinet is equally as good. I wish I could see it again. Catch it before it closes on May 18. Go to Elision Productions for tickets and showtimes! 

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: Write about a memory or experience on or near the water.