By Lisa DiCarlucci, Entertainment Editor
Masquerade Musical Theatre Company's latest production, Michael John LaChiusa's "See What I Wanna See" directed by senior Colin Culligan is a small show that touches upon the philosophical concepts of perception, belief and truth in a way that reflects the human condition. By way of two separate plots, the musical, based in parts on Ryunosuke Akutagawa's "Rashomon," sings about murder, crime, love, hate, and faith and shows the unique point of view of each character. Though at many times, the plot is confusing, Masquerade's actors prove that a little talent and a lot of song can transcend a clouded storyline and pull off and altogether meaningful and entertaining performance.
The biggest issue with "See What I Wanna See" is disjointed nature of the plots. There are two main stories, and a third much smaller which serves as a transitory beginning to each act. This smaller plot is based on the Japanese story that the musical originates from. What is unfortunate is that this story does not stand well on it's own, lacking distinction from the rest of the show causing the audience to be confused about the placing and the point. A piece of the show which has the potential to be a dramatic and poignant, falls flat because it's significance is not clearly defined. Perhaps a more ethnic choice of costume would have done this story some good.
Act one follows the story of a rape and murder as told from varying points of view while being interrogated. The set up of this plot was confusing but while this at first was frustrating it also drives home the point of the show, that there are always different perspectives. The back-and-forth nature between interrogation and flashback to the event drew nice parallels between the hateful crime's aggression and the human emotions of the witnesses and victims.
Act two flows much easier than act one making for an effortless viewing experience. The message of the act is a serious one, as a priest struggles and rejects his faith while his ailing aunt moves closer to death, but this is overshadowed by the delightful and funny characters. Freshman Max Baudisch. is hysterical as a disheveled and eccentric park goer. Baudisch touches a range of emotions that will make you laugh and tug at your heart within a matter of minutes. Shira Rose Berk also manages to steal the show in act two as the sickly aunt. She plays to a stereotype that manages to stay fresh and hysterical.
On the whole "See What I Wanna See" is an odd little show that manages to speak to some of the most innate aspects of human nature. You may love it, you may hate it, but anyone can relate to it. It's just a matter of how you see it.
Max Baudisch plays an eccentric park goer in “See What I Wanna See” (Lisa DiCarlucci/The Chronicle)