Ever since their inception, musicals have captivated audiences with colorful performances and engaging songs. Whether it is the classical style and story of Phantom of the Opera or Les Miserables, or the rock and roll of Rent, each of these styles have cemented themselves as classics within the musical “hall of fame”, influencing how we perceive the genre of musicals on a whole. However a new challenger has recently emerged, eager to earn its spot among these musical giants. A musical that combines both a timeless story and masterful songs to bring an experience to its listeners that is unlike any other. The show in question: Epic The Musical.
“I’m just a man” – Just a Man, Troy Saga
A passion project first started by Jorge Riveran Herrans in June 2019, Epic The Musical aimed to take the classic story of the Odyssey, an epic poem written by Homer about the Greek hero Odysseus. Through eight sagas composed of 40 songs total-as of now-bring it to light under a modern and complementary light reflective of musicals such as Hamilton, Six, and Les Miserables. And like them, Epic did not disappoint. It turned a roughly 400 page book into something that blended the likes of those shows, Percy Jackson, various anime, and video games into songs, each better than the last. One that stands as a love letter to the past Musicals and stories that came before them and the future, asking us the eternal question at what point does “a man become a monster?”
“Greet the world with open arms”- Open arms, Troy Saga
A question of progress that spans the entire musical, exemplified by each of its characters worth highlighting in each way. Be it the immortal gods such as Zeus and Poseidon, Athena and Hermes, monsters such as Scylla and the Cyclops, or mortal men such as Poites, Eurylochus and Telemachus, every character is important in their own way, impacting the main character Odysseus in various ways. Whether it be Poites, Odysseus’ best friend, reminding him to “greet the world with open arms”, Athena, Odysseus’ Mentor, reminding Odysseus that he is a “warrior of the mind”, or Poseidon, Odysseus’ rival throughout the musical, mocking him to “close his heart”, each song serves not only to be catchy, but to drive forth the mortal conflict of the musical. It brings us closer to each character, and to the themes of the musical itself, which center around a moral battle of kindness and ruthlessness that leave us wondering: what would we have done differently if we were in the shoes of our protagonist?
“I see a man who gets to make it home alive, But it’s no longer you” – No Longer You, Underworld Saga
And like with other musicals, it is this mix of themes, songs and characters that make it worth every second you listen to it. Reviving not only myths they appeal to, but creating memorable scenes in the process, reviving the greats of musicals. Be it how the musical portray Odysseus as a comparison to Alexander Hamition, Odysseus and Marius from Les Miserables reflecting on the loss of their companions or the character relationships sowed throughout the musical much like the relationships we come to care for in Rent, every scene and likewise their comparisons, are turbo-charged with emotions and story, creating a truly magical experience for even those not interested in the myths Epic takes inspiration from.
“We are the man-made monsters, we are the ones who conquer” – Different Beast, Thunder Saga
Such is the magic of the care put into Epic the Musical by its creator, voice actors and artists whose contributions have made this show something worth caring about, especially in our day and age. Each person involved has turned this into something special, and that is something worth highlighting in its own right as too often we are not privy to the process of creating a musical and the sheer effort that goes into it. Something that in of itself is impressive enough to warrant a listen to understand the sheer dedication of its fans if everything above was not enough for you.
“I know life and fate are scary, But I wanna be legendary” – Legendary, Wisdom Saga
Ultimately whether you care a ton about the Odyssey or not, this Musical deserves every piece of recognition and praise as though it is unheard of to many, its elements makes it a musical masterpiece truly worthy of its name. Take it from me, before I heard of Epic, I could have cared less for Greek myths. But upon hearing one of Epic’s songs, Ruthlessness, I was instantly pulled into a world and community that I am grateful to be a part of everyday. It’s what makes me excited for every new song that gets released for it as I look to add it to the list of songs I listen to daily, knowing I am a part of a process that has truly changed my life and others for the better. And better yet, it is not too late to join in as one more Saga is yet to be released, something I highly recommend to those who enjoy this musical. But do not just take my word for it, listen to it yourself and experience the magic I once experienced the very first time I listened to it.
To quote the creator himself, “Full Speed Ahead!”
