MUSE Night Music for Seymour Centre

With a cast smaller than many before, MUSE (Sydney University Musical Theatre Ensemble) will be staging it’s next main stage show, Sondheim’s A Little Night Music, in March 2015 at the Seymour Centre. Jordan Shea reports.

The MUSE production of A Little Night Music, directed by Alexander Andrews, musically directed by Conrad Hamill and produced by Rose McClelland, differs greatly from previous shows staged by the society, with many intimate moments, themes and multi-layered characters.

Playing the roles of Desiree Armfeldt and Fredrik Egerman Louise Flynn and Stuart Bryan respectively. This is the pair’s second Sondheim outing, having played the larger than life Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett two years ago. ‘There’s definitely more of a power balance between them than Sweeney and Lovett’ Louise explains during a rehearsal. ‘The characters are far more relatable, with very realistic traits. It really helps with the important intimate moments for the show’.

Whilst the society has long brought together students from many different disciplines, and even universities, the classical nature of the piece, including its intrinsic harmonies and lyrics, has seen some new talent to emerge, adding to the theatrical mix.

Christie New, who plays Countess Charlotte Malcolm is one of them. ‘The team behind this production is incredibly professional - bringing a strong creative vision and dedication to the work and ensuring it is treated with immense care, which (with Sondheim especially) is so important. Both Alex and Conrad have set the bar extremely high and been an absolute joy to work with. The cast, also, is incredibly hard-working and committed to creating something truly special.’

Whilst there is a limited use of chorus, the Liebeslieder, a vocal quintet provides a commentary or ‘Greek chorus’ of sorts throughout the show. Managing to catch a little of their rehearsal, it’s obvious that MD Conrad Hamill has achieved an excellent balance for this group. ‘It’s so important to have clear sound for Sondheim. Diction, charisma and clarity is what we looked for when we were casting. We’re lucky to have a cast who have all of that!’

At the helm of the production is director Alexander Andrews. The teacher/director, and lifelong Sondheim junkie got his first taste of directing when he co-directed Anyone Can Whistle. So what drew Alex back for more?

‘The music. It’s so beautiful. I saw the 2010 Opera Australia production with Sigrid Thornton and absolutely loved it. A piece that’s set in 1910 in Sweden of all places, yet it has themes that are so relevant. Themes we see so much.’

Alexander has chosen to use neutral accents. ‘It’s about obtaining an educated sound of sorts really.’ There is no doubt this soon-to-be high school teacher brings some of his classroom skills to the rehearsal room. Upon entering it, I found the calmness and presence to be so overwhelming.

When A Little Night Music hits the stage on March 25^th for a limited run, it appears that something very different will have been produced by the society. As a cast member told me; ‘It’s got a deeper meaning than a lot of other shows.’

A Little Night Music – Everest Theatre, Seymour Centre. 25th-28th March.

Tickets: www.seymourcentre.com.au

Director: Alexander Andrews

Musical Director: Conrad Hamill

Producer: Rose McLelland

Choreographer: Brittany Doyle

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