My Brilliant Career review

Written in 1901 by Miles Franklin, My Brilliant Career follows a young woman living in country Australia in the late 19th century who desires something other than marriage and domesticity. Fast forward 120 odd years and this has been reimagined into a wonderful musical with book by Sheridan Harbridge and Dean Bryant, music by Matthew Frank and lyrics by Bryant.

Actors and musicians perform as one, with the cast adopting both roles. Kala Gare possesses an effervescent defiance as Sybylla, the teenager who wants more than to live happily ever after with a husband. Her changing moods and conflicting aspirations and uncertainties are superbly presented by Gare. She delivers many show-stopping songs that pull you out of your seat and right into the moment where nothing else exists except seeing her belting out a tune.

While it's a small role, HaNy Lee brings great magnetism as Blanche, a most stunning guest at the Caddagat ball who gets her own terrific solo to belt out in "Make A Success". There are a winning mix of songs with clever genre mash ups that bring this play into a contemporary setting despite taking place in 1890s. They push the narrative but also give us insight into the character's feelings and are a perfect representation of the opinions and perceptions of that time and our time. Amy Campbell’s choreography is lively and animated and when integrated with Matt Scott’s lighting and Marg Horwell's set and costumes results in beautiful images being crafted on stage.

Horwell has the floor completely covered in grass and hay, simultaneously showing the far-reaching environment they are in and the challenges that Sybylla faces in achieving her dreams. Initially quite sparse, as the story progresses, the set becomes more elaborate and fanciful with chandeliers and streamers decorating the space. Combined with Anne-Louise Sarks’ direction, it produces some striking imagery of a harsh Australian landscape.

My Brilliant Career is a brilliant night out at the theatre with all the elements colliding into a fabulous pop-explosion of music, narrative and performance. Gare's charisma carries us through this classic Australian story while reminding us how much has changed (or hasn't changed) with regard to women, their careers and living their lives based on their own terms.

SHOW DETAILS

Venue: Southbank Theatre, 140 Southbank Blvd, Southbank
Season: until 18 December | Mon - Tues 6:30pm, Wed - Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2pm
Duration: 

Tickets: $62 - $133

Bookings: Melbourne Theatre Company

Image credit: Pia Johnson