A large feather should be sitting proudly in the cap of Magnormos, who's production of "The Hatpin" opened Monday night in Melbourne.
"The Hatpin" is a relatively new and exciting Musical written and developed in 2006-2007 by James Millar and Peter Rutherford. The exciting part - and this is the part that personally sold me into wanting to see the show in the first place - is this Musical was inspired upon actual people and historical events that took place in Sydney Australia around 1890's, events so dramatic that it literally changed Australian law into what we know today.
The genre, think of themes similar to Clint Eastwood's "The Changeling" and a dash of Tim Burton's "Sweeny Todd: Demon Barber of Fleet Street" - it's a dark story, and I'm a sucker for a bit of dark mystery. However let it be noted there are moments of true tenderness and beauty, accompanied by a smattering of humour - so just a heads up, you may be in store for an emotional roller coaster ride.
The casting is superb! Each character is strong and well defined right down to the Ensemble. Samantha Morely is infectiously lovable as the free spirited Harriet Piper. Sophie Collins is fabulous as Agatha Makin, a character I feel she makes reminiscent of Walt Disney's Ursula from "The Little Mermaid", and Emma Jones as Clara Makin is... extraordinary.
The singing is consistently good and strong. I've personally been known to switch off during Musicals when voices sound all too similar and generic, but the voices in "The Hatpin" will keep you at the edge of your seat, which I feel is a credit to Music Director Sophie Thomas - and keep an ear out for Thomas' violin as it effortlessly captures the emotion of the moment and will make you wilt inside.
To date this is one of the strongest productions that Magnormos has ever had the pleasure to undertake and congratulations to them for hosting the Melbourne premiere of "The Hatpin", they delivered and a bag of chips!* It was superb acting, singing, musical direction, costumes and lighting. This production is an exciting credit to all persons involved.
The Hatpin
16th - 28th May 2011
Theatre Works, St Kilda
*(actually a box of delicious choccies on each seat, compliments Schocolate).
