Wonderbound opens up its 10th Anniversary Season with Wicked Bayou, a ballet performance that combines the music of zombie death polka band The Widow's Bane. And it's as insane as it sounds (in the best way possible!).
"Young lovers fight for their lives against a hurricane, a zombie puppeteer, and a gator who feeds on the hearts of children," reads the ballet's synopsis. "All Hallows’ Eve the way it was meant to be!"
Wicked Bayou was of the heart, suspenseful, and inquisitive. If you haven't been to a show by Wonderbound, don't miss out on your chance to see Wicked Bayou while you still can. The show will be performing through October 29.
The charm of young love is what begins our journey into Wicked Bayou; it ignites a purity that is commonly relatable to the audience. All that comes with young love is present, including disapproval from parents. The story becomes more than initially imagined as we are introduced to outside factors that will soon take a toll on our young lovers. As an audience member, you begin to worry for the young couple and what's in store for them.
The suspenseful characters are introduced to the audience. This is only one of the moments where The Widow's Bane shines through their music. We're introduced to curses, benevolent evil, and zombie-like characters who will soon get involved with our young lovers. This is where the investment comes in, as we watch and can only hope for the prevail and safety of our protagonists. A plethora of emotions are felt by the audience through the adversity of the couple. Wonderbound shows us the true elements of storytelling throughout Wicked Bayou.
It's the interpretation that harbors in each viewer that separates this production from other mediums of storytelling. Your hand is not held through this, and it is up to you to make of this story what you make of it. I enjoyed discussing my viewpoint with other guests during intermission; it was very interesting to see what others were thinking and feeling, and they were intrigued by my side of things. No words are said, no characters are introduced by name, and the viewer is left to use their wonder and imagination to formulate this story in their own unique way. This is becoming a lost art, and it's great to see it alive and well at this Wonderbound production.
Wicked Bayou is a refreshing story told through contemporary ballet. The engaging music, alongside the storyline, shows why Wonderbound has been around for 10 years! This is only the first show of their 10th anniversary season, and I think I'll be back to the next three shows with my 2023–2024 Season Subscription! The next Wonderbound production is Icy Haught, from December 7–17.
