Something Inside Is Broken

What happens when you combine great storytelling, music, and language preservation into a powerhouse production? For the cast of “Something Inside is Broken”, it means a sold out theater hit, with a Fall tour starting in Sacramento on September 22, 2016, Native American Day, and stopping along the way in Reno, to perform at the National Indian Education Association Convention, then to Phoenix to perform at the National Congress of American Indians Convention on October 10th and 11th and then ending in San Diego. The pre-gold rush era rock opera, based on actual historical events tells the true and untold story of how Natives were exterminated “legally” under Governor Burnett’s extermination policy and enslaved by Johann Sutter. The play highlights relevant modern themes and dehumanizing media practices, while cleverly weaving them into our dark American history. The crazed ambition for gold, the objectification of women, the disregard for minority groups and inhumane treatment of vulnerable populations, the constant destruction of our planet’s resources are alluded to, but it’s not all sadness and social commentary. The musical aspect makes the story easy to digest, sharing wisdom and knowledge through the use of catchy songs and witty and often inappropriate (with a little bit of shock factor) phrases. There’s plenty of room for some elbow poking laughs. The story speaks from a human level, and is told with just the right balance of truth and honesty, hilarity, satire, and optimism for an improved world. A dark musical at its core, “Something Inside is Broken” stays true to the description of what makes this a “Rock Opera.” “Sticking it to the man” is an age-old rock mantra, but this show doesn’t hold back the punches. If a Rock Opera “stuck it to the man,” “Something Inside is Broken” delivers a Muhammed Ali punch to the soul. Be prepared to bring your handkerchiefs. It’s going to be a waterworks affair.
The orchestration is underscored by electric guitar riffs, hip hop beats, rap, and bold genre-mixing innovation. The native Nisenan language is present in over half of the 26 songs and arrangements. Translation booklets are available for purchase, and serve as a keepsake for patrons. The soundtrack will be available in the coming months, following the 2016 Fall Tour. At this time, the production team is raising funds for their upcoming tour and are reaching out to tribes and communities to help them reach more cities, communities and eventually Broadway.
The production has since recast many roles since its World Premiere run in May 2016, to feature professional actors and dancers from New Mexico, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, Los Angeles and beyond. Native Nisenan tribal members still hold key roles, as do other natives from other tribes. The cast is multi-racial and carries a “Hamilton-esk” style of non-traditional casting.
When Creators Jack Kohler and Alan Wallace were considering how to tell the story, a Rock Opera made sense. Rock and Roll speaks the truth as it is felt, with no apology. Rock and Roll is also highly entertaining, and fused with the texture of soul. It’s okay to be angry in a rock song, and it’s perfectly acceptable to use crude and taboo language. It’s a medium that gives the artists the freedom to explore sexual undertones, and reveal “the good, the bad, and the ugly” in every human facet.