Twist

The theme of the musical Twist is everyone needs to be loved. This is evident in song titles like "Love Lives In Everyone," "I Have a Soul,” A Color No One Likes," and "Reach for the Sky." also, throughout the musical Twist is very depressed as he moves from place to place. Finally, when he arrives at Mr. Prudhommes's house then the teahouse with Della and Boston at the end of the musical, he was happy because he felt a sense of belonging and love. Along with feeling at home at Mr. Prudhomme's house, Twist also got a very important piece of advice from him. "Never stop dreaming" Mr. Prudhomme said to Twist.

             Although everyone in the musical thinks Twist is a weird and insufficient name, there are references and deeper meanings covered in the name. The first one is an obvious reference to the original character by Dickens, Oliver Twist. The second, deeper meaning brought in by the musical is referencing Twists birth. "Born on a twister” Della said when they were naming the newborn baby. That led to the naming of Twist (the first syllable of twister).

            Throughout the musical, there were many symbols used. First of all, Prudhomme rhymes with home. Twist felt at home when he was at Mr. Prudhommes house. The orphanage symbolizes pain and not belonging because when Twist is there he is always being made fun of for his heritage the Marty Gras costumes symbolize covering up your heritage because when you where a costume, you are covering up. Finally, the locket of Twist’s mom acts as a memory for Della of the mistake she made by leaving Twist and reminded her that she needed to take care of Twist when he came back.

            Over all, I think the production was very good and the acting was great, but to me, there were too many songs. If one or to of the songs were removed and replaced with short scenes, the production would go a long way.