Distant Thunder

Amas Theater 115 MacDougal Street.

To tell you the truth I did not have a clue what to expect when I heard the words, "Native American Musical", but the parental units had driven all the way from Oneida, NY to see it, so it had to be good right?  I made my way down to the West Village with a vacuum in my mind, empty, and ready to take in what ever this theatre experience had to offer.  From what I understood it was a musical in the lab stage, meaning pre-production, not fully formed.  I was not allowed to take pictures of anything because of some AFRA rule.  Boo.  I did not expect much at all, and I was completely caught of guard because I was blown away.

Distant Thunder is the first Native American musical to ever read at the Amas Theater in the 45 years it's had it's doors open.  It was written by Shaun Taylor-Corbett and Lynn Taylor-Corbett both of New York, and is based on Shaun's personal experience reconnecting with his culture and family.  Shaun is from the Blackfeet Nation of Montana, and the play is set rightfully so in Browning, Montana.

My first impression was that we have some serious talent in Indian Country and that it had just  went from  under the radar, to full song and dance (literally) in front of my very own eyes.  The plot seemed very similar to another big production (Crooked Arrows), but with more free reign to explore issues on identity, assimilation, and loss of language and culture.  The fact that it was written by a mother and son team also allowed the play to hone in on the generational gap that is often present in our Native communities.  There were many layers of complexity and I felt that the Broadway style of this story line would hit home with any one of Native descent because even though we are so very different traditionally, our issues of trying to hold onto tradition in the face of consumerism and American culture are made up of the same parts.

Afterward we were able to go to what seemed like a wrap party with the crew, down in the West Village in a little lounge called McCoys.  It was such a great experience, and it made me hopeful of things to come.  I was surrounded by talented, well trained, Native folks.  I recognized some of them from other films and productions.  When I asked Shaun what the timeline was for Distant Thunder, he was not sure but had projected out a full year or two at least.  I got a glimpse of something I was very eager to see more of, and I don't want to comment too much on the story line because the play is still forming and things will most likely change.  I hope it makes it's way to Broadway.  Watch out Rent, here comes Distant Thunder!

FB page for Distant Thunder:

https://www.facebook.com/DistantThunderTheMusical

And article on the backstory to Distant Thunder

http://www.buffalopost.net/?p=18500