If you could go back in time, what would you change?
Would you tell someone how you really feel?
Kiss your crush?
Make a friend?
Save the world?
If you’ve ever wished for a second chance, “Safety Not Guaranteed” is your story. Based on the 2012 comedy movie, this new one-act musical tackles time travel in the best way possible…. through flaming rock songs!
Summary
In Safety, Nkeki Obi-Meleweke plays Darius a young journalist who comes across a strange ad in the paper: “Wanted: Someone to go back in time with me. This is not a joke … Must bring your own weapons … SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED.” In search of her big break, she travels with intern, Arnau (Rohan Kymal), and her boss Jeff (Pomme Koch) to discover the writer of the ad. After a very funny stakeout at a PO box, they track down their target—an intense oddball named Kenneth Calloway (Taylor Trensch), who’s convinced that he’s built 99% of a time machine. When Jeff tries and fails to gain Kenneth’s trust, Darius is sent in and hits the right note of shared conspiracy to get Kenneth’s plot. All the while, Jeff and Arnau grip with problems of their own. Jeff struggles to let go of his adolescent years, singing “I want to go back,” and Arnau struggles to be present while being sucked into his computer. As the show goes on, the story they are reporting starts to change as each character is forced to confront their pasts.
Review: 7/10
Overall, Safety Not Guaranteed was pretty good. Some parts of the show got lost within the convoluted plot. By the end of the show, the plot is moving so fast it’s hard to keep up. Additionally, Safety is a one-act musical. Hence, at times the show would drag causing me to lose focus frequently. Although the story is a bit hard to follow, the insane talent of the actors greatly makes up for it. Nkeki Obi-Meleweke is a powerhouse in the show, belting into the stratosphere with amazing technique. Opposite to her, Taylor Trensch fully encapsulates Kenneth in his raw form. Trensch brings new dimensions to this quirky character and drives home even the smallest of mannerisms. Further, the entire 6 person cast is extremely solid. Each member brings something different to the table. Certainly, this show is not lacking in talent. In terms of set design, the show follows a minimalist approach. Usually defaulting to small sets carried on stage, the show focuses on the actors to transport viewers into the scene. In short, I would recommend this musical. The cast is spectacular and even if you get lost along the way, the plot will pick you right back up at the end.
My final take: “Safety Not Guaranteed” is a new musical you do not want to miss.
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