In Pieces is a new musical with a score and book by Joey Contreras. The show describes itself as a love story about the people you don’t end up with and navigates these romantic journeys. I’ve followed the musical for a long time and one of the biggest draws is the phenomenal score by Contreras. Numbers such as ‘Ohio’, ‘Caffeinated’ and ‘Me and Mr. Popularity’ have been consistently on my playlist from the moment I heard them. I’m incredibly excited for the arrival of the fully staged world premiere at The Other Palace early next year.
However, there is something about the way Contreras’ writing captures the excitement, messiness and vulnerability of modern dating in ‘Bloom’ which stands out, making it one of the greatest newer musical theatre numbers. But what makes ‘Bloom’ so special?
What is ‘Bloom’ About?
‘Bloom’ follows Peter and Sam on their first date as they navigate their way through the city at night. In premise, the idea is simple with two people learning each other through this one date. However, this simplicity makes the number very effective. First dates are often filled with contradictions and ‘awkward’ moments as you explore these feelings of excitement whilst also being nervous for the future. As you attempt to make a good impression, you also need to “lower your guard” in order to find a real love connection with the other person. Every conversation, glance and pause suddenly feels significant as you get to learn each other and as you “figuring it out” together.
‘Bloom’ captures this feeling beautifully through clever lyrics and a musical melody which matches these growing emotions. The couple are starting to understand each other throughout the song, with moments where Sam at times overcomplicates this date (talking about how she has “seen this before”). The contrasting personalities allow for Peter to relax Sam’s worries as he wants the night to be less “high stakes”. Their chemistry is strong but Sam’s concerns are an authentic reflection of concerns on a first date.
‘Bloom’ has a clever title and repetitive lyrics throughout the song. To ‘bloom’ suggests something gradually coming to life which isn’t instantaneous but takes work and time. This perfectly reflects Peter and Sam’s relationship as they’re expressing how they are growing together and “stepping into a new spark”: making for a reflection of what their relationship might become
Musical Theatre at its Finest:
Throughout all the songs in In Pieces, Joey Contreras’ writing really shines bright. What makes ‘Bloom’ so effective is that it perfectly uses music to reflect the feelings of Peter and Sam in this new relationship they are discovering together, with awkwardness spread between. It gradually mirrors how two people become more comfortable on a first date whilst also sounding phenomenal. The number has a youthful and romantic feeling without becoming a cliché as the audience walk through the city alongside these characters, watching their growing excitement. There is a real sense of hopefulness which is contagiously positive as Sam starts to open up to Peter by ‘lowering her guard’: a beautiful message to the audience about life.
Contreras’ work is particularly a brilliant example of strong musical theatre. His songs feel specific to the character and don’t just convey the surface level emotions, instead communicate a mixture of emotions. ‘Bloom’ is able to effectively communicate Peter and Sam’s feelings as we experience them understanding themselves and each other. The duration of the song is the perfect snapshot into their relationship and reminds the audience to enjoy the moment. Another great example of this is ‘Me and Mr. Popularity’ which weaves navigating emotions perfectly.
‘Bloom’ takes something as ordinary as a first date and finds the perfect outlet to make this theatrical. It understands the messiness with first dates and how sometimes, they ‘bloom’ into something more. I can not wait to see this again early next year!
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