Newman reflects life through music

The South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa is currently presenting the world premiere of the musical theater piece "The Education of Randy Newman," which runs until July 2.

College students may ask, "Who is Randy Newman?" Newman gained fame in the 1970s as a singer and social satirist whose lyrics were featured in such tunes as "Short People" and Los Angeles' theme song, "I Love L.A." He has also received 13 Oscar nominations for his film soundtrack work. Newman wrote the scores to hit movies such as "Pleasantville" and "Toy Story 2."

A native of Southern California, Newman also spent much of his childhood with family in Louisiana. He witnessed racism and bigotry at an early age, and suffered the anti-Semitic slurs of the 1950s. The injustices he saw in America were fodder for future lyrics.

After studying music at UCLA in the early 1960s, Newman became somewhat of a traveling minstrel. He traversed the country poking fun at social discrimination in an effort to make people more aware of the world in which they lived. Newman's 1977 cult hit, "Short People," is the most famous example of his biting satire.

Newman's appearance on this spring's season finale of FOX's "Ally McBeal," the release of his new album, "Bad Love," and the opening of "The Education of Randy Newman" have brought the prolific artist back into the limelight.

It is no coincidence that "The Education of Randy Newman" recreates the life of a songwriter strikingly similar to Newman himself. Along with the artistic conceptions of longtime collaborators Michael Roth and Jerry Patch, Newman's words and music depict the story of an American troubadour during the last half of the 20th century. His tale is told through many of Newman's celebrated songs as well as those never heard before in concert or on record.

Scott Waara plays the edgy songwriter who travels between Los Angeles and Louisiana in "The Education of Randy Newman." His renditions of Newman's songs deftly capture the essence of the artist. An accomplished Broadway actor, Waara's most recent performance was in the world premiere of "The People vs. Mona" at the Pasadena Playhouse.

The cast of "The Education of Randy Newman" also features Allison Smith. Smith's most notable role was as Jane Curtain's daughter, Jenny, in the 1980s television series   "Kate and Allie." She currently appears on NBC's Washington drama, "The West Wing."   More than 40 songs performed by seven actors make "The Education of Randy Newman" a must-see musical banquet for every Newman fan.