Featured image – Caitlin Berry and Jonathan Hickey Pics David Hooley
This show looks like it will be a another hit for the Hayes Theatre. The book and music for the show are by Andrew Lloyd Webber and the lyrics are by Don Black and Charles Hart and the play is adapted from the novella of the same name by David Garnett.
The musical focuses on the romantic entanglements of actress Rose Vibert, her admiring fan Alex Dillingham, his underage cousin Jenny, his uncle George, and George’s mistress, sculptor Giulietta Trapani, over a period of 17 years.
The aspects of the the title refers to the many forms that love takes in the show; love between couples, both as romantic infatuation and as married people; children and their parents, and even hints of same sex attraction.(Giulietta and Rose).
The play is set against the backdrop of post-war France and Italy from the 1940’s through to the 1960’s.
This is the first professional production of ASPECTS OF LOVE to be staged in Australia in 25 years. After seeing this production it has clearly been too long a wait.
In his Director’s Note to the program, Andrew J. Bevis wrote ‘Our life’s loves, both those reciprocated an unrequited, can haunt us, leaving a deep and often life changing impact. One’s search for meaningful relationships has provided the fodder for artists since time immemorial. Such is the canvas which Garnett and then Lloyd Webber, Black and Hart used as their background for this musical tale.’
Jonathan Hickey gives a very fine performance as the main character Alex who is hungry for a meaningful relationship and is smitten by actress Rose Vibert, played by the beautiful and talented Caitlin Berry. Whilst Alex would be happy just to be with Rose, Rose’s heart wanders and she become involved with Alex’s wealthy uncle George, played by a very charming Grant Smith.
George leaves his mistress, sculptor Giulietta, played by the delightful Stefanie Jones, to marry Rose and they end up having a daughter, Jenny, played by the talented Gemma Keighran as a young girl and the talented Ava Carmont as a beautiful fifteen years old. Jenny is smitten by Alex Alex is keen for things not to develop too much with Jenny and he breaks her heart.
David Hooley gives a good performance as Marcel Richard, Rose’s theatre manager They have mainly a good rapport with Marcel trying to keep Rose on a straight path. Matthew Manahan is good as Hugo, a man who Rose has a brief dalliance with. Wendy-Lee Purdy is good as George’s erstwhile housekeeper, Elizabeth.
There was a large and talented ensemble cast that covered minor roles and which came to the fore in the company numbers.The Ensemble featured Finn Alexander, Hugh Barrington, Annelise Hall, Christopher Hamilton, Megan Kozak, Michaela Leisk and Sam Marques.
Andrew J. Bevis’ creative team each made very effective contributions to the show. Tim Chappel’s period costumes, Steven Smith’s intricate sets, Alan Lugger’s ‘smooth’ sound design, John Rayment’s evocative lighting design, Danielle Evrat’s assistant choreography, and Sharon Case’s hair and wig design.
Lloyd Webber’s music was made all the more richer by a 12 piece orchestra. the Ensemble Apex, from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Geoffrey Castles was the orchestra’s Musical Director and Conductor.
There were so many highlights. The title song of-course with the many refrains during the show. ‘Seeing is Believing’, the lovely duet with Rose and Alex at the exciting start of their love affair when everything is so magical. ‘A Memory of a Happy Moment’ with George and Giulietta with George wanting to return to his villa to find out what his nephew is up to..
‘She’d Be Better Off With You’ with George and Alex arguing over which of them would be better for Rose.
The wedding scene with Rose and George just before interval was full of great energy with a highlight being when Giulietta takes ‘best man’ privileges and kisses Rose passionately on the lips
Act 2 started vibrantly with the song for Rose ‘Leading Lady’ with her new play- A Month in the Country’ being a great success.
Stefanie Jones made the most of her time to shine in the song ‘There’s More to Love’ where she ponders life and love, and the choices she has made.
‘The First Man You Remember’ was a beautifully delivered father/daughter song and dance featuring George and Jenny.
The Ensemble came to the fore in ‘Journey of a Lifetime’ with its Carnivale, circus atmosphere.
There was a beautifully played out wake scene at George’s funeral with the song ‘Hand Me The Wine and the Dice’, paying tribute to George’s carpe diem, life life to the full philosophy.
Fans of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s work will see that ASPECTS OF LOVE had plenty of stylistic similarities to other works of his including ‘Evita’, ‘Phantom of The Opera’ and ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’. For instance, the ‘Journey Of A Lifetime’ scene had a ‘Phantom’ feel about it,
One could also see that Lloyd Webber had inspirations of his own to turn to- Rose’s wearing of George’s first wife’s dress had a Daphne Du Maurier ‘Rebecca’ feel about it.
Highly recommended, ASPECTS OF LOVE is playing the Hayes Theatre until 30 December. There is a possible one week extension.