Marsh Youth Theater in The Wave.

Opening to an enthusiastic and sold-out house at The Marsh, Ron Jones’ The Wave sailed in with just a few choppy moments along the way.  Currently running, this eagerly anticipated world premiere musical has been extended to February 14. 

The script is based on an actual classroom experiment in fascism conducted in 1967 by author Jones.  While he was a history teacher at Cubberley High School, Palo Alto, several students gave up their “freedom” during a five-day period for the prospect of being superior to their classmates.  Almost immediately, the experiment spun out of control.

The Marsh Youth Theater’s Teen Troupe comprises the student population, and Mark Kenward plays teacher Jones, all impressively directed by Cliff Mayotte.  With the exception of a few wavering moments (easily attributed to opening night jitters), the cast gathered confidence, momentum and joie de vivre.  The audience soon imagines them going through their paces on a larger stage with Broadway backing and punched-up production values.
Archetypes abound.  There’s Eve (Camila Betancourt Ascencio), an aspiring actress quoting song lyrics; the leather-jacketed troublemaker Bomber (Aaron Rhodes); Wendy (Deanne Palaganas) who feels the loss of her deceased mother as intensely as Doug (Andy Kwan) feels the loss of his brother; and a testosterone-driven EZC (Homero Rosas) with his eye on a girl who won’t look at him.  There are also the six Red X’er dissidents; Mrs. Jones (Emily Claire Mason); and Alene (Hailey Scandrette) with a crush on teacher Jones.  Much humor arises from the repetitive obsession of characters, such as Gigi (Madeline Oppelt Perez) who mentions her boyfriend during every conversation.

It all breaks down when Alicia (Teresa Attridge) boldly outs herself as a lesbian and is vilified for it.  Jewish student Brenda (Audrey Weisman DiLeo) daringly aligns herself with two bussed-in black students, Norman (a gentle George Coker) and the spunky, keen-tongued DeShay (Eileen Young). 

The most introverted loner, Robert (Tenaya Nasser-Frederick) is slowly enticed to become Jones’ bodyguard.  Violent incidents increase, blame is unfairly placed, and the leader finally reveals the true intent of the experiment by showing a film of Hitler and the horrific results of unquestioned leadership.  Actor Nasser-Frederick powerfully expresses their collective betrayal with visceral anger.  

The predominant theme of being an outsider coupled with a desire to belong and have at least “one true friend” make these students vulnerable to wanting membership.  How seductive, appealing and empowering to be a part of something so grand with a Daddy figure to guide them.  The leader’s final intent is foreshadowed a bit too obviously and too early on.  And overall the script could use some trimming.

The songs — lyrics by Jones and scored by David Denny, Kathy Peck and Emily Klion — capture the struggle and loneliness of adolescence as well as the frustration and anger of being misunderstood by one’s teachers, parents and peers.  Music direction is by Frederick Harris.  Kenward’s acting is certainly believable, but his singing voice doesn’t always meet the musical range (perhaps it could be scored in Sprechstimme).  The 14 musical numbers strongly convey the story through a full spectrum of teenage experiences, including the lovely duet “A Moment in Time” sung by actors Palaganas and Ascencio.  The final number “No Conclusions” asks “What truth will you believe?” 

It all concludes with an empathic sentiment suitable to all ages “No one should ever be alone.”  The Wave is highly recommended.

The Wave extends (Friday to Sun at various times) until Feb. 14 at The Marsh, 1062 Valencia Street, San Francisco.  Tickets ($7 to $14; $50 reserved) call (800) 838-3006 or at themarsh.org.