Review of ‘Impact’: “Good landing, but no smash”

American singer-songwriter Amy Engelhardt brings this personal cabaret show celebrating some of her University classmates, whose lives were lost during the 1983 Pan Am Flight 103 terrorist attack. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show, to let us know if this musical tribute manages to reach a high altitude.

Sometimes, it’s the things that don’t happen to us the ones that leave a strongest imprint. That statement may come as only half true for singer-songwriter Amy Engelhardt, though. She may have not been in that plane, but a part of her was gone on the same day her classmates passed away during a horrible terrorist attack. Over 30 years after that catastrophic incident, her heart still beats to the memory of those young students whose fate was sealed far too soon. They all dreamed of becoming big musical theatre stars. Now turned into a different kind of stars, they get to endure in what they loved the most through a production that honours their legacy.

As much as this opening may give you the idea of a tear-jerking show. But you’d be wrong to think of it in that manner. It’s not a formula that we haven’t heard of in the past. Actually, nothing could be closer to the American way of life that a celebration of joy after somebody’s death. And nothing could be more reassuring, beautiful and healthier than channeling grief through that approach. It’s often said that art has the mystical ability to heal. Engelhardt has achieved that for herself – and in her endeavour, she’s been inviting enough to let her audience join in.

Closer to a mourning cabaret than a play with songs, Impact ignites its pathos all through its journey with soaring effect. It’s quite gripping from an emotional angle, and Engelhardt is able to preserve that grasp with moderate success through her energetic charisma. It’s a story we want to be involved in, and every anecdote brings truthfulness and uniqueness to the jaunt. Her personal connection with the recount is obvious, but it’s reinforced through the honesty and humbleness she’s able to provide the narrative with. It’s not a piece of sentimental spectacle, but a genuine tribute stemming from pain and love. And it’s precisely in that openness to her human frailness that the strength of the montage lies in.

Featuring an engaging, original repertoire, Engelhardt boast her craftsmanship as a composer, coming up with enticing themes which, though not the most daring or uncommon, are still pleasant to the ear. Their renditions, nonetheless, sadly don’t flaunt the same degree of dexterity. Her passion is solid, but her deftness as a singer and keyboard player isn’t just as robust – presenting some errors in rhythm and technique, while also suffering from a limited vocal range that, most unfortunately, ends up compromising the quality and feel of the whole experience.

Firm in basis and steep in poignancy, IMPACT makes a stable takeoff through a vigorous structure and rather decent delivery. Yet, there’s a mild to major lack of fineness hovering above that prevents the show from fully spreading its wings. Gliding through interest themes and exploring them with efficiency, it’s just a matter of handling the wheel to the right pilot so the piece can reach its desired destination. It brings airiness and candor to the entire passage, but it needs more powerful fuel so it’s engine doesn’t halt in mid-flight.

Read our interview with Amy Engelhardt here!

IMPACT was performed at London’s Barons Court Theatre as part of the Voila Festival. Further shows and tickets are available on the following link.

By Guillermo Nazara