Calvin Berger The Musical

One of the greatest love stories of all time is Rostand’s Cyrano de Bergerac – a complex look at amour versus enchantment, identity, and vanity. It tells the story of Cyrano, a tragically disfigured yet brilliant wordsmith, and his love for Roxanne. Cyrano, feeling unworthy of love, helps another seduce her. Upon being caught, Roxanne and Cyrano share one tender moment together… before everyone dies – because it’s French and we can’t have nice things.

It has spawned hundreds of adaptations since its 1897 premiere. In 2006, composer and writer Barry Wyner took the work and translated it into a modern-day American high school. The themes of love, identity, and vanity are as relevant in this setting as in the original. Wyner swaps the overtones of death and war for social justice – and perhaps a few too many double entendres. There’s no balcony scene in this version, but there is a solid score that gives the cast of four room to shine and make it their own. The standout Act 2 number, How Can I Compete With That, best embodies the material’s relevance to its new setting.

The titular Calvin is brought to life by producer Seb Smee. Smee is a rising star and commands the stage in this production. His energy is infectious and he holds the company together perfectly.

Jude Schillert is charismatic as the ‘new boy in school’, Matt – his comic timing is impeccable, and he is a perfect match to Finlay Page’s sublime and warm Rosanne. Together, they give very intense ‘high school power couple’ energy, with stage presence to match.

Zoe Chan is an absolute knock-out as Calvin’s downtrodden and overlooked best friend, Bret. She fills out the heart of the show. Her performance proves why her name appears on so many cast lists across the region and beyond.

First-time director Amber Curby has cleverly used the venue’s limited stage capacity to overcome the material’s slight downfalls.

Hyde Entertainment is an exciting new addition to the Newcastle theatre scene, appearing willing to take risks on completely unknown titles – and their gamble on this reasonably obscure show has completely paid off.

Calvin Berger is a tenacious and charming show for theatre lovers wanting something refreshing – and it’s a well-deserved break from the 40th production of Legally Blonde in the last few years.

Joshua Maxwell

Photos by Jo Roberts.