Review by Eyal Solomon
Avalona: A Musical Legend, an immersive, multi-genre spectacle, defies the definition of musical theater in the best way possible.
Created by the multidisciplinary artist Dina Fanai and directed by Dodd Loomis, the show follows its protagonist, Avalona (Jenna Rubaii), on an introspective pilgrimage through twelve mystical “sectors” on a quest for self-realization, guided by a host of celestial figures — The Weaver of Time, The Dark Horse, The Child, and The Shaman — while also contending with the shadowy presence of The Shadow.
Drawing inspiration from the creator’s own journey of self-discovery, the narrative is purposefully vague, drawing no overt lines between specific mythologies or traditions. This abstraction only enhances its allure. We are invited not into a particular world, but into the realm of the magical, mystical, medieval, mythological… something. Something beautiful.
The magic starts with the stage layout: The audience is seated in a semicircle around the sanctuary floor, engulfed by mesmerizing video projections, while ambient lighting, animated and dynamic, weaves its own narrative alongside the action. The stage itself is minimal yet evocative: a oversized hourglass on a pedestal, and a projected clockface, segmenting the floor into twelve distinct sectors, foreshadowing the flow of time.
Musically, Avalona is a rich and compelling fusion of medieval, Balkan, and Indian influences, cleverly woven into a hypnotic electronic soundscape. The live performances by a cellist and a percussionist provide a visceral backdrop to the action, while Natalie Lomonte’s evocative choreography animates the space, making every gesture feel imbued with significance. Six dancer “Guides” embody the fluidity and complexity of Avalona’s journey, moving like spectral reflections of her own emotional turmoil.
The narrative itself, though simple, thrives in its abstraction. Each “sector” begins with a spiritual recitation by The Weaver (Fanai) from the sanctuary’s balcony, offering truisms that set the tone for the journey. These recitations don’t drive the plot forward per se, but serve as meditations, allowing each chapter of the journey to unfold with a contemplative cadence.
Rubaii’s Avalona is torn between the promises made to her younger self and the seductive pull of The Shadow, embodied with electrifying intensity by Constantine Maroulis (of Rock of Ages fame). Maroulis, channeling his rock-star bravado, plays the perfect foil to Rubaii’s delicate, determined spirit. The showstopping number “Whatchagonnachoose,” performed by Rubaii, Maroulis and the Shaman (the astonishing Maya Days), is a highlight — a riveting, pitch-perfect performance. Madeline Serrano’s childlike portrayal of Avalona’s younger self further adds a touch of vulnerability to the play.
Where Avalona truly excels is in its music — catchy, intricate, and beautifully rendered. Each of its twelve songs offers a unique blend of emotion and musicality. The performances are masterful, particularly in moments where the actors’ voices entwine in harmony.
Ultimately, Avalona is a show that will speak to a variety of audiences — those seeking inspiration and enlightenment, lovers of the mystical and the magical, and admirers of exceptional music and movement. You won’t be disappointed.
Avalona: A Musical Legend is playing at the Sanctuary @ St. Paul & St. Andrew, 263 West 86th Street, NYC. For performance dates and more information, visit www.avalonaimmersive.com.
