All of us have been on our own respective journey individually, focusing on healing from heartbreak, trauma, loss and a rediscovery of self. Coffee After Therapy embraces these journeys and more, exploring the healing journey of the soul as it slowly but surely comes out the other side and switches from survival, to full empowerment as life comes back to our bones. Using song and various unique stories that intertwine with the main protagonist's journey, this new musical touches us on a level that not only resonates, but elevates the evolving story with care, sensitivity and raw vulnerability.
It will make your heart break, but it will also make your heart soar
Director, choreographer and actor Anita Adams presents this workshop production of Coffee After Therapy as both director and lead protagonist as she experiences the breakdown of a relationship after getting involved with each other when young. She alongside three other talented actors (one of which is a guitarist complimenting a piano player), makes some engaging choices as she pulls the audience in and creates a safe space for us to laugh, cry and feel moved by all she choses to show us. Her character development is well rounded and so focused on all the minute details that it is easy to see how passionate she is about the work on show and her character's journey.
Adams' powerful singing voice adds an Andrew Lloyd-Webber-esque element to this musical, bringing back elements of Tell Me On A Sunday with Denise Van Outen and with the ensemble cast, creates a unique take on stripping musical theatre down to its most basic level. No huge sets, just a table, a piano and some chairs with a suggestion of costume which we see each performer use to create the characters reflecting Adams' character's mood and situation. From the busy set up of the office, to the open arms of a therapy circle of other broken women. This is done smoothly during the transitions between songs and creates the element of life changing as abruptly on stage as well as in life.
If there is one thing to slightly improve on here, near the beginning, when we hear about the protagonist during different stages of her life as she enters the relationship at the age of seventeen, we see the ensemble take on what may be Adams' character through different ages as they are mentioned. This is unclear to begin with as each woman steps forward, but it becomes more clear as it progresses. Just a small tweak to be made here to make it clearer that it is the protagonist being shown here through these different forms just to add more fluidity and clarity.
Apart from that, Adams' has created something in Coffee After Therapy that is different and engaging to watch. Musicals do focus on the ups and downs of love, as well as the detrimental aspects of it, but do not always focus on the reality that is behind the strong person healing. It will make your heart break, but it will also make your heart soar.
