I knew little about Dan Mangan when I walked into the Cultch to watch “Are We Cool Now?” but I came out a believer! The strength of any musical is in the ability of its lyrics to fit the story like a glove, and relay it as closely as possible. Luckily, Dan Mangan’s songs are a treasure-trove for nuanced poetry about relationships, coming of age and general life lessons.
The stage setup is what wins you over first. There are Persian carpets on the floor, polaroids on all surfaces, and golden fairy lights draped over everything. The stage is a cross between a recording studio and a shrine to a music god. Behind all this goodness is a cozy nook for the drummer on one side and one for the guitarist on the other. Penelope Corrin and Ben Elliot walk onto the stage with their own guitars and dive right into the musical evening. Penelope in her jeans, tank top and denim jacket is the picture perfect indie chick with Joan Jett hair. Her counterpart Ben is all jeans and flannel, in true Saskatchewan style. Saskatchewan because that is where the play begins.
The two youths meet each other at a record store and get talking. They don’t think much of it. They hang out. There are songs about the uncertainty, excitement and fear that come with a new beginning. As they spend more time together, take a trip to Europe, with periods of separation in between, they realise they have something special. As their relationship goes through the average ups and downs of any average relationship, the audience is able to relate to all the emotions showcased by the talented duo. Penelope and Ben then find themselves being torn apart by their polarised views about their future. Penelope wants to explore the world and cast her net far and wide, while Ben does not want to leave the comfort of the town he has always known. “Are We Cool Now?” provides a realistic and yet romantic view of a modern couple’s relationship.
Penelope and Ben have strong voices. They are incredible musicians who can sing wholeheartedly and then smoothly transition into acting. Along with the drummer and the other guitarist, the band put on an extremely high-calibre musical performance. The music is sway and swoon-worthy. At poignant points in the plot where acting can only do so much, the music takes the situation and intensifies it manifold. The musical genre is the best format for a story as contemporary and delicate as this. The writing is on point. The language is easy contemporary. The humour is up to date. It is funny and sexy. Penelope and Elliot share a great chemistry together. They are so believable as a long-term couple that the thought of them being apart makes you tear up. The great cheeky dialogue in between the songs bolsters the moods of the scenes. There are more dialogues than songs, for those of you who are scared of musicals- in which case, this is a great primer because the music is just so enjoyable. You don’t have to strain yourself to catch all the lyrics. They flow easily like a river and because the music is so melodic, they get absorbed by the brain that much quicker.
“Are We Cool Now?” is the most fun I have ever had watching a musical on stage or on film. Whether you are a fan of the theatre or a music nerd, you will find a lot to love here. These musicians put on an electrifying show straight from the heart. Unmissable!
For tickets and dates visit the Cultch online.
-Prachi Kamble