The Theory of Relativity - Spoiler-free Review

 

3.14159... no... 3.5 out of 5 stars

Tickets available: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1339997

The Theory of Relativity is a musical with music and lyrics by Neil Bartram, and a book by Brian Hill. The show introduces a compelling array of characters experiencing the joys and heartbreaks, the liaisons and losses, the inevitability and the wonder of human connection.

The choice of musical for this new, independent group to perform, allowing everyone to showcase their singing and acting talents was a good choice, with all the production elements purposefully simple, maximising the on-stage talent, giving them the space and opportunities to give their all. The minimal movement that there was, was choreographed was received well, although could be tightened to become spectacular in its exact timing.

Production Team members Jax Brooks, Darcie Yelland, Oliver Hallett and Alicia Hancock all brought their personalities and specialisations to the floor, drawing inspiration from various well-known musicals. Their choice of venue also worked for this production and could equally work with a similar styled show, such as Company, Falsettos, or You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, having a blank space to work with, and ‘observing’ the action on stage when the focus isn’t on them, rather than hopping in and out of view. There were a couple of scenes where the ‘out-of-focus’ characters are a little too distracting from the focal point of the scene.

Browsing the program, it is noted that much of the talent have been heavily involved in other community theatre groups over the years (MCMT, NOW Productions, Balaklava Community Arts and more), and as such, their artform is well established, proving hauntingly beautiful with some of the solo work. This is reason enough to catch the show before it’s too late.

While the production is traditionally one Act, Opportunity Theatre elected to split the show into 2 40-minute Acts, making Apples & Oranges, performed by Michael Hardy and Axel Moen, the Act one finale, and a crowd favourite! The End of the Line was a fun song, a highlight for choreography technique, performed by Alicia Hancock and Darcie Yelland.

Act 2 opened with a double heartstring-puller, Me & Ricky, performed by Jax Brooks, as Caroline and Promise Me This, performed by Aster Schwerdt as Mira, these songs could potentially throw a couple of audience members, as there aren’t any trigger warnings on display, or mentioned prior to the show. Despite this, the show generally gives an upbeat and cute aura, particularly featuring Riley Mobbs along with Darcie Yelland’s story as Anthony and Jenny, or Bryce Young and Natasha Payne’s story as Adam and Amy, or Rhys Young and Jessie Rouse’s story as Paul and Julie… it all seems unconnected until you realise Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon applies here too.

Commendation to Oliver Hallet as Ryan for his work in Footprint, despite technical difficulties during his song. This reviewer’s highlight was Diana Baddam’s work as Catherine in her ‘cake’ monologues. The characterisation and mannerisms that Baddam put into her work made these scenes stand out from the rest.

Opening night brought a couple of hiccups that were managed on the go by the sound team and fixed by the second act. There were also a couple of line mishaps, which the cast members embraced and continued their craft.

Overall, it was a great night out, supporting a new theatre company in Northern Adelaide, and if this is where Opportunity Theatre begins their creative journey bringing affordable entertainment to audiences, I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them. At only $20, this is a show that should not be missed – bring out your curiosity and learn more numbers in the Pi sequence!