Set against walls of filing cabinets, ten diverse voices harmonize together in "Take Me America," a new musical by Village Theater that opened at the Everett Performing Arts Center Friday, Oct. 28.

Based on the film, "Well Founded Fear" by Michael Camerini and Shari Robertson, this musical is by Bill Navel with music composed and arranged by Bob Christianson.

The musical portrays three immigration agents and seven potential immigrants from different places: Gaza, El Salvador, Sudan, Algeria and Haiti, each seeking protection in the United States.

Not your typical musical subject matter, but in this day and age, nothing is typical anymore.

One of the three agents from the United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Gary is played by Aaron C. Finley, the beautiful voice of Jesus Christ Superstar last year. The story begins with Gary singing "Standing at the Edge," as he begins his new career in immigration service. He is joined by the potential immigrants, also called asylees, those seeking asylum. They are all standing on the edge of a new life.

The agents, Gary, Marsha and Michael must ask the difficult questions: Why are you here? What happened to you? What are you afraid of?

"I need details," each agent asks of Zara, Isabella, Wu and Fan, Asif, Malith and Jean.

All the cast harmonize together in the company songs, "Take Me America," and "Finale Decisions" as they all consider these true stories from across the globe, and explore the power of acception and the delicate balance between caution and compassion, with a bit of humor.

The musical runs through Nov. 20. Tickets are $56 to $20 depending on age and day of the week. Call the box office at 425-257-8600 or see the website, www.villagetheatre.org.



Eric Polani Jensen (Asif). Photo by Jay Koh. Property of Village Theatre.

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