‘My Brilliant Career’ is now playing at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, and it is a must-see for all. It’s always a treat to have original cast members come back to a production, and the passion for this story is overwhelmingly clear from this incredible ensemble cast.
From the moment you walk into the theatre, you’re met with upbeat live music from the cast on a simple yet stunning stage set-up. I love a simple set, and this set up made the stage look like a vast expanse of country with a beautiful piano raised in the centre, surrounded by what we would quickly discover to be some of the most talented musicians I’ve ever seen. I lost count of how many instruments each cast member played throughout the two and a half hour run, and I was at awe every time a different guitar was picked up or instruments came together to not only support the vocal talent, but be ambient sounds of being out on a boat in the middle of nowhere. The obvious musical talent from the entire cast cannot be understated. Dancing while playing an instrument is difficult enough, high kicks while playing a cello that is strapped to your body is honestly insane and I am going to be thinking about that for a long time.
Sybylla Melvyn is the kind of character that you can’t help but root for, and the pure energy and authenticity brought to her by Kala Gare also made her impossible not to love. Her embodiment and growth throughout the show as Sybylla aged was perfection. From the first song, with punk rock attitude and mannerisms, I knew we were in for a treat. Having been a 15-year-old girl not too long ago, it was the perfect display of the amount of ‘hate’ a 15-year-old can muster at the world. Gare is an absolute powerhouse. Her tenacity and playfulness were so engaging, and my goodness she did not stop the entire time and there was not one hint of exhaustion or vocal deterioration. I cannot applaud her enough, that is indeed, one brilliant performer.
The simplicity of sets and costumes rounded out the explosiveness of the arcs in ‘My Brilliant Career’. It easily could have played out as just another story we’ve heard many times about a young woman in the 1800’s who had to follow a pre-determined path rather than having the opportunity to do whatever she wanted in life. However, the wholistic approach and balance of big songs and simple effects was excellent. Single spotlights and a slow violin drew everyone in and a simple joke or facial expression diffused any notions of this being a show about romance. Every step of the way felt exactly like the journey of finding yourself for yourself, and not giving in to what everyone else is telling you to do and to be.
‘My Brilliant Career’ is a must-see for musical lovers, dreamers, and anyone looking to have some fun. Get yourself a ticket to go and sit amongst your “Fellow Australians” and enjoy a night at the theatre. Head over to the Merrigong Theatre Company website and don’t miss the powerhouse that is this incredible cast and show.
To book tickets to My Brilliant Career, please visit https://merrigong.com.au/shows/my-brilliant-career/.
