35MM: A Musical Exhibition
35MM: A Musical Exhibition offers a fascinating blend of visual artistry and musical storytelling. Making its debut at PIP Theatre, Passion Productions and Allentertainment have joined forces to create a poignant musical display. Here, the stage becomes a canvas, each scene painting a vivid tapestry of emotion and intrigue inspired by the evocative lens of Matthew Murphy's photography. This innovative production promises a journey unlike any other, where every song tells a story, and every scene whispers a secret. Embark on a unique exploration of life's fleeting moments, where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur, and the magic of theatre comes to life in vibrant colour and sound.
The show commences with a snapshot moment, setting the scene for the eclectic musical journey that followed. The first inspired song, "Crazy Town", kicks off the performance with dynamic effects, including a flaming wallet and a pyrotechnics display. Though the choice to begin with a chaotic song about mental health may be initially disorienting to some viewers, it certainly sets the scene for how wildly varied the songs to follow will be.
At the heart of 35MM: A Musical Exhibition lies a cast whose performances elevated the production to new heights. Led by the ever-impressive Aurelie Roque, whose powerful presence and ethereal vocals anchor the production, the ensemble delivers a captivating performance filled with depth and emotion. From beginning to end, Roque commands the stage with her powerful presence and mesmerizing songs. Backed by an incredible control over her vocals, she infused each scene with emotional depth and authenticity. Despite encountering occasional technical difficulties, Roque's unwavering professionalism and talent shone through. Her lilting voice, reminiscent of a sultry siren, carried the weight of each melody with grace and poise.
Mabelle Maynard's touching and emotive delivery enriched the production with her soulful performances. Maynard's powerful vocals resonated with sincerity and authenticity, drawing the audience into the emotional heart of each song. Whether conveying vulnerability or strength, Maynard's performances were consistently captivating, leaving a profound impact on the audience.
Connor Clarke's animated presence and versatility brought a dynamic energy to the stage, captivating audiences with his quirky characters and comedic timing. Unfortunately, his voice was often lost beneath the sound levels of the live band. Despite this, Clarke's performance remained a highlight, injecting humour and personality into each scene. From his spirited rendition of "Carol Lee" to his animated portrayal of a gallery goer, Clarke's stage presence was highly entertaining.
Another vibrant standout, Rae Rose shines brightly amidst the ensemble. With a cool, calm demeanour, Rose navigates their various roles with ease, infusing each character with distinct quirks and personality traits. Their ability to adapt seamlessly was bolstered by their impressive vocal ability and clearly bubbly personality.
Tomer Dimanstein, Bethanie Walsh, and Samantha Sherrin shone in their respective roles, seamlessly transitioning between characters with distinct quirks and personalities. Sherrin and Walsh offered invaluable support to the ensemble, enriching the production with their commitment to their roles throughout. Dimanstein's performances in songs like "Prom Queen" added hilarious flair and sass to the show, while their emotive delivery in the wedding song left a very touching impression. On the other hand, Walsh’s ability to convey raw emotion and vulnerability brought depth and authenticity to each scene, especially seen in her portrayal of ‘Luanne’. Together, the cast made for a harmonious blend of voices and emotions, captivating audiences with their collective talent and artistry.
The staging of the show was plain but effective, displaying the live band on either side of the thrust and featured two large sheets on either side of the stage which displayed select photographs throughout the show. However, shortcomings in the lighting design, particularly the obscuring of performers by shadows, detracted slightly from the overall experience. I also would have liked to see some more attention in the costuming, as throwing a dress over some theatre blacks did feel a bit too ‘high school’. Nevertheless, the sheer talent of the cast and unwavering commitment carried the show through its exploration of some very contentious themes that emphasized the profound impact of music and imagery in evoking emotion and storytelling.
35MM: A Musical Exhibition is a delightful display of creativity, offering a sincere and considered exploration of life's fleeting moments, reminding audiences of the beauty and complexity found in every snapshot captured through art and music. While the lack of a linear plot may have left some viewers searching for cohesion, the exceptional vocal performances and captivating moments ensured a memorable theatrical journey. The show offers a unique and engaging performance, reminding audiences of the beauty and complexity found in every moment, if you only take a moment to focus in and capture it.
Audiences are recommended to arrive early to enjoy perusing the photo display in the foyer as the selection is quite evocative and sets the stage for the immersive journey ahead. There is also a fabulous VIP experience available, featuring reserved front row tickets, a bottle of champagne, and a scrumptious charcuterie board.
Review by Rebecca Lynne
Tickets: https://piptheatre.org/35mm-a-musical-exhibition/
Passion Productions: https://www.passionproductions.com.au/35mm
Allentertainment: https://www.allentertainment.com.au/
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