Theatre Review | La La Land in Concert

La La Land in Concert

Composed and conducted by Justin Hurwitz

Darling Harbour Theatre

One show left on Monday, June 1

Reviewed by Ron Lee, CSP

Take a film that has won six Academy Awards including Best Original Score, screen it in a 2,500 seat theatre and include a full orchestra and a jazz ensemble. 

Have it conducted by the composer himself and you have La La Land in Concert, a spectacular, immersive experience. 

For those who haven’t seen the 2016 Damien Chazelle film, La La Land is a typical Los Angeles story of an aspiring young actress and a jazz piano player who are eking out a living while pursuing their individual dreams. Sebastian is playing piano in cheap venues and Mia is frustrated in the cattle call capital. She endlessly attends castings, some of which last for only a few seconds. What happens to the relationship when one of them becomes successful?

The casting is perfect; Emma Stone isn’t glamorous and Ryan Gosling is your everyman. 

There are nods to An American in Paris, Sliding Doors, Singin’ in The Rain and to Hollywood dancers such as Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers and Gene Kelly. 

The film’s composer, Justin Hurwitz, has won two Grammys, four Golden Globe Awards and two Academy Awards including Best Original Score and Best Original Song for City of Stars.

Hurwitz is in Sydney to conduct the live-to-film production.

To add to the drama on the night on which I attended, composer/conductor Hurwitz came out during the intermission and asked if there was a sight reader in the house. Apparently the celesta player couldn't continue. There were quite a few volunteers, and an audience member named Patrick was given the gig. He's the one who looks out of place. 

An extra performance will be on Monday night, June 1 at Darling Harbour Book as soon as you can, as the other performances have sold out.

La La Land in Concert envelops you and carries you on the absolutely engaging and compelling journey. You will be irresistibly involved.

I loved it.