EDINBURGH 2017 - Review: EDGES, C

Edges is the first musical from Pasek and Paul, now better known for La La Land and Dear Evan Hansen. More of a song cycle, it's a collection of numbers on the theme of coming of age, from growing apart from siblings via dating and break-ups to parenthood.

The songs are hit and miss. Two that distinguish themselves are "Be My Friend", an ode to the validation given by Facebook, handled here with nice choreography, and "Along the Way", a delightful tale of an accident prone young man that takes a poignant turn.

Overall however, the disconnected nature of the songs and lack of a story give the audience little to care for and see develop through the show. With so many introspective ballads on millennial angst, it begins to feel like one is constantly being belted at in a heartfelt manner for an hour and 20 minutes with little emotional effect.

The cast of four works hard, never leaving the stage through the show. Some sections, particularly fast paced ones, needed improved breath control, and sometimes actors needed to find more variety in their performances both within and between their solo numbers.

If you are interested in lesser-known contemporary musicals or enjoy Pasek and Paul's other work, Edges may be worth a look, but it does little to stand out in a crowded Fringe.

Edges runs at C until August 20 at 9.05pm.

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