Skip to main content

Review: 35mm: A Musical Exhibition - Passion Productions & Allentertainment


Written by Jake Goodall

Pictures tell 1,000 stories, and in Passion Production's newest revival, 35mm: A Musical Exhibition, does just that, through energetic ensemble numbers and heart-wrenching ballads. Housed within the beautiful Pip Theatre, this production is set to wow audiences left right, and centre. 

In 35mm, each photo creates a unique song, moments frozen in time; a glimmer of a life unfolding, a glimpse of something happening. This intricately woven collection of stories told through song re-imagines what the modern musical can be. 

Directed by Harrison Allen, the interpretation of the different songs were inspiring and quite different from the usual. For example the changing to a Female Gay 'Seraph' rather than Male was a delightful change that, whilst keeping the meaning of the song, provided us with a different perspective. Additionally the use of a wedding in 'Hemming & Hawing' was jaw dropping and heart wrenching again providing an unusual but delightful new perspective. Occasionally it did feel as if there could have been more done with the blocking of the piece, especially during numbers such as 'Good Lady' & 'Cut You A Piece,' however this could be due to the limited space Allen had to work with. 

Musical Direction by Seán Fagan was impeccable, the intertwining harmonies were tight and its clear Fagan has worked with this ensemble to whip their vocal into shape. This reviewer has been lucky enough to be in a production of 35mm, so they know how extremely difficult the score is. The cast and band should be extremely highly commended on taking on such a challenging production musically. 

Costume & Set Design by Laurent Milton & Renee Milton was amicable, this duo created such a simple and plain aesthetic to the production that just worked. The use of photographs strewn up across the space created a photographic 'Red Room' vibe, perfect for the production. Additionally the use of 2 vertical scrims to project each photo on was a visual feast again helping to portray each song and it's interpretation. The Costuming was also simple and effective, all the cast wore blacks and then added costume or prop pieces to each song to help portray the meaning behind each tableau. Sound By William Toft was commendable, at the beginning of the production there were a few mixing issues with the band, however as the production continued this faded out to create a fantastic mix of vocal and band. Lighting by Tim James was beautiful, James created some fantastic colour postcards to help with the intent behind each song. Occasionally there was a late or potentially missed cue meaning the cast were in darkness (or perhaps they missed their mark!) however as the season continues this is sure to fade away. 

The powerhouse behind this production is the cast, this troupe of 7 performers have worked incredibly hard to show their skill and talent. This incredibly cast included Rae Rose as Actor 1, Mabelle Maynard as Actor 3, Connor Clarke as Actor 4, Tomer Dimanstein as Actor 5, Bethanie Walsh as Ensemble and Samatha Sherrin as Swing. All of these performers provided stunning performances, telling us important messages and stories. 

However the true highlight of this production was Aurélie Roque as Actor 2. Roque was jaw-droppingly stunning. Their rendition of 'Leave Luanne' was harrowing and frightful, whilst their portrayal of Sarah in 'The Ballad of Sarah Berry' was bitchy and sassy in the best way possible. It is almost impossible to talk about how incredible Roque is in this production because they were just THAT good!

35mm: A Musical Exhibition is a stunning display of stories and music that is a MUST SEE by Brisbane Arts Lovers. If you're looking for something out of the ordinary, or getting tired of the typical musical thetare troupe, this is EXACTLY what you need in your life! Closing May 4, be sure to get your tickets now!

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Review: Closer // La Boite

 Written by Jake Goodall Get ready for desire, betrayal, love and sex as Closer takes the stage at Brisbane's La Boite Theatre. 24 years since its original La Boite production, Closer returns to the La Boite stage under the skillful direction of Courtney Stewart who happens to also be the theatre's Artistic Director. This production is penned to rival your morals and set your heart ablaze throughout the entire production.  The four lives of Alice, Anna, Dan and Larry intertwine over the course of four and a half years in this densely plotted look at modern love and betrayal. Dan, an obituary writer, meets Alice, a stripper, after an accident in the street. Eighteen months later, they are a couple, and Dan has written a novel inspired by Alice. While posing for his book jacket cover, Dan meets Anna, a photographer. He pursues her, but she rejects his advances despite their mutual attraction. Larry, a dermatologist, meets Dan in an internet chat room. Dan, obsessing over ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Review: Equus - X Collective

    Written by Gabriel Besa ‘Equus’ from The X Collective was a superb showcasing of drama and all things theatre. From the exquisitely put together lighting to the character portrayal of each of the actors, The X Collective knows how to put on a show.    ‘Equus’ is a play written by Peter Shaffer in 1973, where he was inspired after he heard a seventeen-year-old boy blind six horses in a small town in northern England. It then went on to win the Tony Award for Best Play. The play switches from past and present as it acts out previous events that lead up to Alan Strang’s current state. Through the psychiatric expertise of Martin Dysart, we see the importance each character had played against Alan Strang’s life.   The X Collective had meticulously placed this production in the Holy Trinity Hall as it provides a state of eeriness and mystery for the audience. Since the venue strays from the average theatre, portable lighting and set desi...
Post a Comment
Read more

'Hedonism’s Second Album' // Left of Right

  Welcome to the recording studio for “Hedonism’s Second Album,” a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges faced by a rock band. Produced by the independent theater company, Left of Right, this production delves into the inner workings of a fractured rock band. Hosted at the Scouts Queensland’s Wonargo Cultural Centre, an unexpected but fitting venue choice, this performance offers a unique perspective on the band’s journey. Following years of performing in pubs and as opening acts, Hedonism, the rock band, has achieved fame with the release of their debut album. However, they now encounter a hurdle in the form of their second album’s creation. Initially premiered in 2014 at The Loft as part of La Boite’s Indie Season and written by David Burton and Claire Christian, “Hedonism’s Second Album” undoubtedly reflects the zeitgeist of its era. The play does not shy away from depicting issues such as misogyny, violence, selfishness, homophobia, and casual racism. While these them...
Post a Comment
Read more