Co-directors Vince Fusco and Josh Penley have assembled an outstanding cast of amazing young talent and crafted a show that engages and involves the audience. The Little Theatre is effectively used (although inevitably there are masking issues at times) but the audience never feels left out.
Duncan Sheik's music is, with a couple of exceptions, fairly bland but the talented group rise above it and present it with as much belief as they can muster.
Fusco as the tormented Melchior pulls off one of the finest performances of his career and is ably assisted by Penley who gives it his all as the troubled and confused Moritz (despite looking too old for the role). Both have immense talent as well as acting and singing ability by the bucketload. They have channeled their own abilities into their younger cast members.
Of the guys Kyle Kaczmarczyk practically rules the roost in his role as the sexually charged Hanschen, fully comfortable with his homosexuality. Robin Breugelmans as Georg is also memorable.
The ladies are highlighted by the outstanding performance by Ashleigh Hauschild as Wendla. From her opening notes to the last she is totally immersed in her world. Blessed with gorgeous looks and a wonderful voice, she's the bright light of what is already a dazzling company.
This is not to take away from the rest of the young ensemble, who are perfectly cast as well and showing clear signs of not just understanding their own characters but the world they inhabit.
Jeff Lang and Fran Kennedy take on a plethora of adult roles with aplomb and help guide these troubled teens through their lives. Both adapt very well to the numerous roles they are given brilliantly.
Jonathon Bligh has done a remarkable job as musical director. Not only has he trained his cast superbly well but delivered one of the finest bands I've heard in amateur theatre in a long, long time. Tight, disciplined and in tune (hooray!) they are comparable to professional musos in their quality of performance.
Although there were some minor staging issues and sound problems dogged act one of the performance these were, by and large, rectified in act two. One other minor niggle is the expensive programme which doesn't tell you who plays what and seems really small for the price you pay.
This is a production that all involved with can be rightly proud of. It was an outstanding night of theatre and one that will resonate with everyone blessed to see it.
