The songs used in this rock opera are mostly original. I am talking different R.E.M. songs from various albums and putting them altogether for this Broadway production. Michael Stipe is eager to help with the behing-the-scenes work as well as starring in the opera, entitled, "Why Try? Why Cry?"
The story goes basically like this: A young man falls hopelessly in love with a vivacious and outgoing woman---a people person who fascinated Tony (Stipe's name in the play), who was quite reclusive. During their courtship, she helps to bring him out of his shell and let him actually enjoy life instead of staying in an austere apartment writing for hours on end.
But then, something goes terribly wrong. Anna decides that she would rather be with someone else, as it seems she'd always been like that, and Tony is absolutely devastated. That is what causes the obsessions, the stalking, the phone calls and the self-destructive behaviour.
Ironically, Sting co-stars in this opera. Apparently, Michael Stipe had written "Losing My Religion" to compete with The Police's "Every Breath You Take", also about obsessive love. "Every breath you take, every move you make. I'll be watching you". It is a truly frightening song and people who say it is their special love song obviously do not know what the subject of it is or they are just plain clueless.
Leonardo DiCaprio is also in this production, playing the role of Tony's young cousin, to whom he confides. The other members of R.E.M. are also in this, including Bill, a nice surprise and I hope you will come back and read part of the script for this play.
Now, the love interest who leaves Tony in shambles is played to the hilt by Tori Amos and that pleases me. I have always wanted to see her and Michael Stipe together in something like this.
