The Indigo Girls, an American folk rock music duo from Atlanta, are getting a lot of attention lately. The project, “Glitter & Doom,” is a jukebox musical featuring only Indigo Girls songs, directed by Tom Gustafson with a screenplay by Cory Krueckeberg.
The story is as follows: “Glitter” dreams of going to clown college in Paris, but his mom isn’t supportive. “Doom” wants to be a singer-songwriter but faces rejection at the local gay club. They meet and start a romance, despite their differences. Glitter is hopeful, Doom is pessimistic. They support each other’s artistic dreams, even though clown college might separate them. There’s mild conflict, but mostly it’s a simple story of love and support.
“Glitter & Doom” is all about enjoying the music, with Michelle Chamuel’s arrangements adding a fresh twist. The plot revolves around the songs, but it’s a bit straightforward. You can predict when the next song will come based on the script. The visuals often directly mirror the lyrics, which can feel a bit too literal. Contrasting with “Across the Universe,” which was messier but had a clear artistic vision, “Glitter & Doom” plays it safe.
“Glitter & Doom” covers several Indigo Girls songs, including “Closer to Fine,” “Bitterroot,” “Galileo,” “Love Will Come to You,” and “Get Out the Map.” There’s a creative mashup of “Touch Me Fall,” “Shed Your Skin,” and “Prince of Darkness.” While there are some dance numbers, most of the focus is on Glitter and Doom singing to each other or to themselves. The main actors are charming and sincere, with notable cameos from Tig Notaro and Missi Pyle. Amy Ray and Emily Saliers also make appearances.
Jukebox musicals have been popular because they tap into nostalgia and the comfort of familiar songs. It’s a safer bet financially compared to investing in new material. “Mamma Mia!” is often seen as the best example of this genre. Other popular ones include “Million Dollar Quartet” and “Jagged Little Pill.” The tricky part for jukebox musicals is creating a story that stands on its own, even without the music. Unfortunately, “Glitter & Doom” struggles with this aspect.
The Indigo Girls emerged in the late ’80s alongside other earnest female folk singers but surpassed the trend. They’ve been consistently performing and recording for 35 years, drawing multi-generational crowds. Their enduring success is partly due to being queer icons. Their music resonates deeply with fans, evoking strong emotions that linger for years. Personal experiences, like heartbreak, are often tied to their songs, creating powerful connections for listeners.
Music has a unique power to evoke emotions and memories, whether imagining a better world or mourning lost love. The Indigo Girls’ music captures this duality. While “Glitter & Doom” grasps this concept, its structure is too unstable to fully engage with. Simply enjoy the music and let it carry you along.
| Topic | Summary |
|---|---|
| Glitter & Doom | The musical tells a simple love story while showcasing Indigo Girls songs. It’s enjoyable but lacks depth in its storytelling. |
| Music | The musical revolves around Indigo Girls songs, providing a fresh twist with creative arrangements. However, its plot is straightforward and visuals can feel too literal. |
| Song Selection | Highlights include “Closer to Fine,” “Bitterroot,” “Galileo,” and a mashup of other songs. |
| Jukebox Musicals | These are popular due to nostalgia and familiarity with the songs. However, creating a compelling story independent of the music can be a challenge. |
| Indigo Girls’ Legacy | Their enduring success is attributed to their status as queer icons and their ability to evoke strong emotions in listeners. |
| Power of Music | Music has the ability to evoke deep emotions and memories, which the Indigo Girls’ music captures well. “Glitter & Doom” attempts to convey this, despite its flaws. |
