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Bare: A Pop Opera

By Golu
Musicals have not been my cup of tea, except for the very rare occasions. I debated for a while before watching this filmed version of the staged play, but eventually gave in hoping may friend, the fast forward button, will come in handy.

The show is about the students Peter and Jason in a catholic boarding school. They are in love but Jason is in closet afraid to be anything that isn't "normal," while Peter is ready to be open about their relationship. The students audition for Romeo & Juliet in school and Jason gets the lead part, while his best friend Ivy gets Juliet. This upsets Mark, who wanted to be Romeo and also likes Ivy. Given how Jason is always afraid to show his true feelings to Peter in person, Ivy and Jason end up making out, which doesn't go well with Peter and he breaks up with Jason after confronting him. Peter ends up having sex with Ivy hoping this will fix things , but they don't. By the time Jason realizes, he really trill only loves Peter, it is a bit late. Jason asks Peter to run away with him but Peter refuses saying he wants to openly accept his love and not having to run. Distraught Jason OD's on drug and ends up dying while performing the play.

It felt me that the play/opera/musical is about his this generation is plagued by insecurity and self-loathing, given they are in an age where everything is permanent, because everything can be captured digitally and stored forever. Even with the priest and the catholic sister intervening the relationship of Jason and Peter, the Church is generally otherwise shown as monolithic and uncaring. I can't really comment on the songs much, because believe it or not, I will be biased. The show has been performed for many years with many different artists across many locations. I saw then performed in Indianapolis in 2008.

This is not for me. Make your own decision, whether operas/musicals are something you enjoy and you may actually like it. The story does have its moments. (3/10)
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