Dressing Room Requiem
21: The Sanctuary Stage
4 stars
Dressing Room Requiem invites audiences backstage to witness the final moments of a cancelled show. As the cast and crew return to collect their belongings, memories of life on stage surface, blending humour, nostalgia and heartfelt reflection.
The show takes the audience through a tour of some of opera's most memorable pieces, creating a unique mix of story and music.
The performers are impressive, both as actors and singers. Their voices fill the stage, moving effortlessly from the lively “Drinking Song” from La Traviata to the playful "Three Little Maids from School Are We” from Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado, and soaring through the stirring chorus of “Va, pensiero” from Verdi’s Nabucco. On-screen text provides context and translations for songs that are not in English, ensuring the audience can follow along and appreciate the full impact of each performance.
At times, the story seems to take a back seat to the music. The thread of cancelled dreams and bittersweet reflections on theatre life can get a little lost between the arias and ensemble numbers. Still, the humour, nostalgia and heartfelt moments give the show warmth and relatability. Anyone who has ever been part of a theatre production will recognize the camaraderie and exaggerated drama that unfold in the dressing room.
For those who love opera, this production will be a delight. For theatre lovers curious to dip their toes into the world of arias, Dressing Room Requiem makes for a rich and rewarding experience.
