In Circles (musical)
In Circles is a chamber musical with music by Al Carmines and book and lyrics by Gertrude Stein. It is based on Stein's 1922 work, "A Circular Play."
The musical premiered off-Broadway in 1968 at the Judson Poets' Theatre, where Carmines was a resident composer. In Circles is known for its avant-garde, non-narrative structure and its exploration of language and repetition, typical of Stein's work. The plot is intentionally ambiguous, with the characters interacting in a cyclical and often nonsensical manner.
The score is eclectic, drawing on various musical styles including jazz, ragtime, and operetta, reflecting Carmines' diverse musical background. The musical's absurdist and unconventional nature has led to both praise and criticism, but it remains a significant work in the history of experimental musical theatre. Key themes explored in the musical include the nature of identity, the power of language, and the circularity of time. Subsequent revivals and productions continue to explore the unique challenges and rewards of staging Stein's challenging work.