Chanel Tilghman (Mariah), Zoe Chien (Annabel)
Central Works’ ingenious Dada Teen Musical: A Play, written by Maury Zeff, intertwines absurdist theatre with modern American politics. Keenly directed by Gary Graves, we are instantly introduced to four stereotypical characters whose normal school day turns chaotic.
The plot follows ambitious Annabel (Zoe Chien), who is manipulating her Harvard admission to rebel against her Yale-educated parents. She devises a Dadaist version of The Sound of Music—complete with alligator characters—to make her application stand out.
Dadaism, an early 20th-century movement born from World War I disillusionment, celebrated absurdity, irrationality, and spontaneity. Jagged rhythms of few chords and repeated shouted anti-establishment lyrics inspired punk groups like the Ramones.
Annabel sees this school administration as a constant failed state. Chien, as Annabell, flawlessly portrays the greedy chameleon.
Zoe Chien (Annabel)
Then Annabel catches the eye of fast-talking fellow student Tyler (Jacob Henrie-Naffaa), an amoral rich kid she desires—who recently cheated off her test. Tyler claims he’ll fund the show to prove himself to his father therefore avoiding military school. Henrie-Naffaa’s brilliant performance captures Tyler’s narcissism—an unrepentant hustler who uses family money to buy friends and status. His mantra: non-linear thinking, working the curve, is the art of the con. Not only speaking at warp speed, but also leaping across the stage, Henrie-Naffaa incites the audience to chant along with him.
Jacob Henrie-Naffaa (Tyler), Zoe Chien (Annabel)
Introverted punk rocker Mariah (Chanel Tilghman) sits apart, guitar in hand, watching Tyler and Annabel scheme. Annabel coerces her into becoming the Music Director, exploiting Mariah’s passion for her idol, Joey Ramone. Tilghman skillfully transforms Mariah from a detached anarchist into a reluctant grounding team player as the play—and its creators—spiral out of control.
Securing school approval, Annabel and Tyler persuade their reluctant Ramones-loving Math and Drama teacher, Mr. Dorfman (Alan Coyne), to mentor the production. Tyler attempts to bribe him with promises of a kitchen remodel—an offer Dorfman firmly declines. Coyne is superb as the nebbishy, clipboard-clutching teacher who attempts to bring an adult balance to the students’ chaos.
Alan Coyne (Mr. Dorfman)
Much of this success comes from Graves’ direction, as the four actors deepen their characters and play off one another with sharp timing. Equally impressive is the dynamite choreography of exits, entrances, and constant motion, which energizes the small set.
The play embodies Dadaism, mirroring today’s political atmosphere with its head-scratching irrationality—rejection of traditional values, spontaneous reversals, clipped spoken repetitions, and defiance of social norms. In addition, the symbol of Dadaism is an eagle clutching a hammer. It, most importantly, captures the present movement’s chaotic spirit.
At the heart of this production, Zeff’s artistic “anti-art” creation challenges the audience to think differently. The ending—and the ensemble’s performance of Dadaist music—should not be missed. Moreover, Zeff wrote the lyrics to Alex Mandel’s song Join the Throng. And I think you must—see this show.
Dada Teen Muscal: A Play Written by Mury Zeff, Directed by Gary Graves, Original Music written by Alex Mandel, Costume Designer Tammy Berlin, Lighting Designer Gary Graves, Sound Designer Gregory Sharpen.
Cast: Zoe Chein, Alan Coyne, Jacob Henrie-Naffaa, Chanel Tilghman
PHOTOS BY: Robbie Sweeny