The Jonathan Larson Project

Review by Penny

⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Jonathan Larson Project is an exhibition honouring the life of a great musical composer through his own medium of theatre. No plot in sight, the evening showcases Larson’s lesser-known or previously unheard songs, commemorating the talented artist 30 years since his passing. It really is a joy to experience more of Larson’s work – his distinctive voice is undeniable, every bit as relentless, determined, and charged with passion and a hefty dose of razor sharp and darkly comic wit as we have become familiar with from his famed works such as Rent and Tick, Tick… Boom!

After an opening number largely devoid of energy, it certainly builds throughout the show in spite of some questionable choreography choices including but not limited to the seemingly random inclusion of a couple of bed sheets. Though Imelda Warren-Green threatens to bring the house down with her powerhouse vocals in ‘Break Out the Booze’, and Michael Mather delivers gorgeous sincerity in a heartbreaking rendition of ‘Valentine’s Day’, it is only Marcus Collins who manages to consistently engage the audience with his unstoppable charisma, beautiful vocals, and powerful stage presence.

Nate Bertone’s set is a lovely homage to the scrappy perseverance that is felt through much of Larson’s work, especially those pieces included in this show. The sheet hung up as a projection screen is lovely in theory, but isn’t easily accessible to all audience members, especially when it shares key information that gives context to each number (already appearing on the screen for far too short a time to fully engage with it).

The lighting is atmospheric but in need of some technical finesse to properly focus the audience’s attention where needed. Ultimately, the sound design saps this production of its potential – it’s very difficult to become immersed in the experience when the way the sound falls around you fails to pack any kind of punch.

Not as powerful as it could be, or seemingly aware of what it’s trying to be, this is still an evening worth attending for lovers of Larson and the art of musical theatre.