Review of “Who Are These Bugs?” (Musical Number) by Zachary Simpson, Erin Rementer

Score: 91+/100 (9.1+ out of 10)

"Who Are These Bugs?" is a pivotal musical number in Cate and the Garden Bandits: The Musical, composed by Zachary Simpson and performed by Erin Rementer, both of whom are previous Outstanding Creator Awards winners!

This song is a good example of how music can deepen a narrative, develop character arcs, and captivate an audience. With its blend of humor, suspense, and melodic charm, the piece stands out as a transformative moment within the production, serving as both an entertaining and educational tool for its young audience.

At its core, "Who Are These Bugs?" marks a turning point in the story. Cate, the protagonist and guardian/caretaker of the magical garden, discovers the identity of the mysterious bumblebee bandits who have been stealing petals. This revelation is not only crucial to advancing the plot but also allows for the exploration of deeper themes such as misunderstanding, community, and courage.

The song opens with Cate’s curiosity and frustration, which are reflected in the lyrics: "Who are these bugs? Stealing from us. I don't know what to think of this." The simplicity of these lines makes them accessible to the target audience of children while effectively conveying Cate’s emotional state. The repetitive phrasing and rhythmic cadence of the lyrics ensure memorability, inviting the audience to empathize with Cate’s confusion and determination.

It serves as exposition (explaining the situation to the audience) as well as character development (displaying Cate's gung-ho attitude). It also highlights how quick Cate (like many of us are) to jump to conclusions and judge people without knowing the whole story (or even the other person). She immediately labels the bumblebees negatively as “bandit bugs” despite not truly understanding their intentions or knowing them at all.

Musically, "Who Are These Bugs?" balances playfulness and suspense, encapsulating the mixed emotions of the moment. The melody actually has an aura of mystery and even darkness surrounding it.

The melody evokes images of sneaking and being under disguise like a detective or a spy. It does become more upbeat, light, and whimsical when Cate talks about the “magical garden” which reflects her feelings about the garden juxtaposed to the situation she finds herself (and the garden) in.

This tonal choice draws the audience into Cate’s perspective, fostering a sense of intrigue. As the song progresses, the melody shifts to a more suspenseful and resolute mood, reflecting Cate’s growing determination to confront the bees. This dynamic progression mirrors Cate’s internal journey and keeps the audience engaged, ensuring the song’s narrative and emotional arcs resonate.

Erin Rementer is an extremely talented singer with a wide and diverse range. It's impressive how she's able to heighten her pitch for these children's songs yet can still erupt like a roaring volcano in her other songs. In this song, she's able to sound apprehensive, fierce, upset, tentative, and even friendly!

Rementer’s performance elevates the song, bringing Cate’s emotions to life through nuanced vocal delivery. Her ability to transition from a lighthearted tone to one of determination enhances the song’s impact, ensuring that the audience remains invested in Cate’s journey. Rementer’s voice captures both the whimsy of the magical garden and the gravity of the situation, creating a performance that is both engaging and emotionally resonant. This duality makes "Who Are These Bugs?" not just a narrative device but also an emotional centerpiece of the musical.

One of the song’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to develop Cate’s character. Through her solo lines, such as "Petals are gone, this is all wrong. I must be strong to fix it," Cate’s role as a courageous leader and problem-solver is reinforced. These lyrics not only reflect her commitment to protecting the garden but also highlight the values of perseverance and responsibility. Cate’s willingness to take action, despite her initial hesitation, serves as an empowering message for young listeners. This character development is seamlessly integrated into the song, allowing the audience to witness Cate’s growth in real-time.

The song also excels in its use of repetition and rhyme, which are hallmarks of effective children’s music. Phrases like "Petals are gone, this is all wrong" (which has a consistent AA/BB beat) and the recurring question "Who are these bugs?" create a rhythmic structure that is easy to follow and remember. This accessibility is crucial for engaging young audiences, who are likely to sing along and internalize the song’s themes. Furthermore, the rhyming patterns add a lyrical charm that enhances the overall musicality of the piece.

Zachary Simpson’s expertise in composing for children’s theater is evident in the thoughtful construction of "Who Are These Bugs?" His background in working with Disney and Universal Studios shines through in the song’s ability to entertain while educating. By blending humor (in the absurdity of the situation and Cate's overreaction), suspense, and character development, Simpson creates a piece that is both engaging and meaningful. The song’s balance of accessibility and sophistication ensures that it appeals to children and adults alike, making it a standout moment in the musical.

With that said, in terms of being a song in a competition, it is slightly held back by its extremely short length (only about a minute) and how it seems to constrain Rementer from showing off her full potential as a singer. Not every song can be a "Defying Gravity" (from Wicked) or a "Music of the Night" (from The Phantom of the Opera), but that's what we have to compare these musical numbers to on a scale from 0 to 100. 

However, it is short, sweet, and appropriate for a child actor to remember and perform on stage, which--like the musical as a whole--fulfills the purpose. 

"Who Are These Bugs?" is a good example of how music can enhance storytelling in children’s theater. Through its engaging melody, humorous lyrics, and emotional depth, the song captures a pivotal moment in Cate and the Garden Bandits: The Musical, making it an unforgettable part of the production. Erin Rementer’s performance, Zachary Simpson’s composition, and the song’s narrative significance combine to create a piece that is both entertaining and educational. By balancing humor, suspense, and character development, "Who Are These Bugs?" not only advances the plot but also reinforces the musical’s central themes, leaving a lasting impression on its audience.

You can check it out here!