ADVENTURES IN THE GREAT BEYOND - MUSICAL - The Hudson Main Stage

Review by Amalisha HuEck

Taking a trip with a new pop-rock musical, Adventures in the Great Beyond takes one into the unknown, out of our minds and into the great beyond. What we find there are mystical encounters with karma, reincarnation, contemplation and miracles. The first-time experiences got a twenty-year old, in search for God, to drop out of the college and with a passion dig into the self-discovery of who she really is, beyond the traditional physical mind stuff.

The musical themes by Joe Nedder were all enjoyable.  The book and clever lyrics, along with direction all by Tom Chiodo kept the story moving and shows the 'unconventional love story where a girl meets boy, and the romance transcends them into the comical and provocative lens through which to examine intergenerational dynamics and spiritual soul-searching. This crafty plot device underscores the cyclical nature of human experience, a theme that resonates with the musical's exploration of mysticism and self-realization.'

This takes all seekers of truth through six decades and gets us into the stimulating freshness of the Age of Aquarius. There is always that first time to experience a new level of consciousness and catch another glimpse of who we are. The actors' dedication, enthusiasm and joy created the world of magic and true blessings. Everyone had fun, the actors on the stage and the audience laughed out loud at the clever, comical way of approaching the issues.  

For the very first time as a member of the audience, I felt like part of a big family. It seemed that everyone knew each other in that theatre and this show was getting them together again, after the long break being imprisoned by the nasty vius intruder.

The delightful cast members are, Michael Deni (Sam), Ryan Foreman (Luke), Katherine Heflin (Mattie), Connie Jackson (Blu), Connie Monroe (Harriet), Queenie Navarro (Virginia), Kim Taleas (Marcia), and Steven Wishnoff (Krishnamarti).  The understudy is Krista Unverferth (Ensemble / Understudy).

The live band behind the stage added greatly with Piano (Joe Nedder), Guitar (Jacob Abraham) and Drums (Joe Kattampallil) and made this production grand.

The Production Team also features Steven Wishnoff as Assistant Director / Musical Staging, Bryon Renison (Production Design), Katherine Heflin (Costumes), Michelle Elizabeth Vasquez (Production Stage Manager), Blanca Chivichon (Assistant Stage Manager), Travis Pilat (General Manager / Graphic Design), Norman King IV (Social Media), Sandra Kuker-Franco (Public Relations & Marketing), Francine Shine (Web Design).

The Hudson Mainstage Theatre is located at 6539 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles, CA.  90038.  The show is running from November 9 - December 8, 2024.  Preview performances November 1 - 8, 2024.  Performances: Friday & Saturday 8pm and Sunday 3pm

Tickets are: $45 General admission and $20 Students, Seniors, Industry (Use Promo Code 225)

You can get tickets at the Hudson's Box Office: 323-856-4249 or www.hudsontheatre.com