The Civilians Perform Gone Missing in New York City

The Civilians, a new-age theatre troupe out of New York City, has developed an innovative style in their creations. Integrating the musical into documentary-style theatre, their shows create a unique artistic effect with the audience in that they embrace the individual experience within the context of society as a whole. This particular piece, entitled Gone Missing uses actual experience with missing items to form a show superior in multiple areas of analysis.

If attending the show with no knowledge of the content, one might be disappointed in their finding (only insofar as being brought to a "new" art form); however it is not hard to appreciate the variety and truth which Gone Missing brings to the stage.

Though it is difficult to discern a particular genre for the show because of its distinctive nature, the actions were both thought-out and played extremely well. Music is interspersed throughout the entire piece in appropriate manners, and although the vocal singing is not the most exceptional, it also is not the focal point of the piece, and therefore fits perfectly within its framework.

The performances are up to par and entertaining, to say the least. With no outstanding expectations for the show, the light humor in the lines offer immediately pleasantry. This was not a laugh-out-loud comedy, but rather a satisfying theatre-style documentary with a bit of quick wit which calls for the occasional chuckle.

Focused more on relating true life to the viewers, Gone Missing succeeds. In relaying stories of people who have been interviewed, the piece in essence has a definite truth that makes it hard to not relate to the experiences located therein.

For what it tries to be, Gone Missing is definitely successful. It isn't surprising that The Civilians were named one of the 25 up-and-comers of New York City theatre. They have a special talent for creating individual pieces which are personal and with which audiences can relate in a multitude of ways.