Producer: Deller Productions
Director: Jonty Climo
Vocal Director: Courteney Mayall
Choreographer: Stephanie Balsom
Band Director: Ye-Gon Ryoo
The Meteor, 13-20 April 2024
During the past few months Hamilton’s newest theatre company Deller Productions has rolled out an eye-catching marketing campaign for Chaplin the Musical. Dana Foley’s wonderful images in combination with entirely appropriate promotional videos and Lucy Thomas’ communications strategy ensured a full house for the opening performance of the show.
The story spanned most of Charlie Chaplin’s life starting in London 1899, his move to Hollywood and hitting the big time, setting up his own studio, and an Honorary Academy Award in 1972 for his contribution to motion pictures. It didn’t shy away from the fact that Chaplin was a bit of a lad about town, married four times and had somewhat dubious political views.
Chaplin was a multi-media show featuring actual footage of The Tramp himself and live projection of on-stage antics to a large screen above the only static set piece – a set of risers that ran the width of the stage. Cast and crew efficiently manoeuvred moving set items. The camera dolly and tracks were a great touch.
In the titular role, talented Zachary Clarke was assured and engaging. He had Chaplin’s signature slapstick moves down pat and took on the demanding role with ease.
Paris Eyeington who has previously been in comedic roles showed his range with a compelling performance as Sydney, Charlie’s older brother. Ella Veitch (Hedda Hopper) was sublime and her solos showcased her powerful and beautiful voice. Kathryn Harris (Hannah Chaplin), Rachael Bloemendal (Mildred Harris – Charlie’s first wife) and Lucy Thomas (Oona O’Neill – Charlie’s fourth wife) also shone in their roles. Liam Hagan was fantastic as studio owner Mack Sennett. Chaplin was Hagan’s first show in Hamilton. Here’s hoping he treads the boards in Kirikiriroa again soon.
The entire cast and band fell into their stride in Act II with more energy and intensity. Opportunities arose throughout for the ensemble to have small parts. Dean Watson was delightful as Hopper’s sidekick.
Wardrobe Designer Tracey Wilson had to curate costumes across eight decades and achieved this splendidly. Each time period was distinctive but the overall look was cohesive with muted tones and pops of red. The costumes were well fitted and enhanced the choreography.
Choreographer Stephanie Balsom produced her best show yet with fun numbers and interesting ensemble movement. Bloemendal choreographed the tap routines which included a nail-biting section on tabletops. They had a strong cast of dancers to work with who were well-rehearsed and confident.
Chaplin marked Ye-Gon Ryoo’s theatrical musical directorial debut. Ryoo did a great job with his band of 13 players, and it was a delight to see him lead the music. I also want to acknowledge Ryoo’s superb bio in the programme.
Courteney Mayall has probably ticked off every production role in musical theatre. This time, she was the Vocal Director. What a joy it must have been to work with great talent. Mayall’s excellent eye for detail were obvious in the cast’s diction and breath control.
Director and Producer Jonty Climo took on an incredible challenge in staging Chaplin, especially at a time of year when there are plenty of shows on. Surrounded by a supportive production team and cast, crew and band, Climo was able to go all in and achieve a memorable piece of theatre. The inclusion of actual footage brought home what a distinctive character the Tramp actually was. Chaplin the Musical was part history lesson, part film, and part theatre making this depiction of Charlie Chaplin’s life remarkable given the age of Deller Productions and those at the helm.
Photos: Dana Foley
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