A celebration of memories and the cameras used to capture them, 35MM: A Musical Exhibition, is a showcase of incredible talent. Brought to life by the third-year students at Griffith University’s Queensland Academy of Excellence in Musical Theatre (QAEMT), it’s an exciting collage of emotion.
35MM is a multi-sensory musical anthology created by artistic duo Ryan Scott Oliver and Matthew Murphy. Each song is inspired by Murphy’s dynamic and vivid photographs, with the lyrics and music by Oliver being just as lively.
A multimedia song cycle, 35MM: A Musical Exhibition, doesn’t need a central plot to convey its key themes of love, death and finding identity. With each song, we see a small snippet into someone else’s life, their highs and lows, a partial piece of their story.
Back in 2012, the original off-Broadway production had a mere five performers standing at fixed stand microphones on stage. This was a shocking discovery to this reviewer after seeing QAEMT’s intricate and energetic production featuring 20 cast members, advanced shadow work, complex choreography and many costume changes.
Director Jason Klarwein and music director David Young have put together an enthralling production. Every song has been clearly well thought out; the success of their band and cast is a reflection of their genius.
The mix of music genres comes together in a perfect collage that’ll keep audiences on their toes. You’ll never know if the next song will have you holding back tears or laughter.
The live band plays on a podium in the centre of the stage with white fabric draped everywhere behind them. A moveable trolley projects images across the centre-stage entry with smaller podiums on each side for more intimate scenes. It’s a modest design that is integral to telling the story.
Josh McIntosh’s production design is both beautiful and practical, working in harmony with the mixed media projections and shadow work from lighting designer Keith Clark.
Dan Venz masterfully adds depth to each song with his choreography, showcasing the cast’s expertise. The combination of graceful solos, emotive duets and energetic group numbers is mesmerising.
The cast of QAEMT students is exceptionally talented and an absolute joy to watch. This cohort amazed in their performance of Songs for a New World last year, and have only grown better since.
On Monday sees a fervent AJ Betts taking over the stage in this epic pop-rock melody. Giddily dancing like someone in love, Betts’s enthusiasm is infectious.
A scene about a nanny looking after a nightmarish baby, Caralee, is an upbeat, humorous song that’ll make you feel guilty for laughing so hard. Harry Ince excels in this witty, fast-tempo performance.
Priya Gill and Saul Kavenagh show seriously impressive vocal talent in Make Me Happy. They flawlessly utilise their voices to convey the shifting sentiments in the song.
This leads into Caelan McCarthy and Sam Thomas’s heartening performance of The Seraph. A relatively simple song compared to the rest of the musical, they make the most of it with their profound sincerity.
Ella Wood leaves a lasting impression in her portrayal of Luanne, a domestic violence victim who’s fighting for freedom. She doesn’t even need to utter a word for everyone to feel the raw emotion in her acting and beautiful dancing. Singing the ballad, Leave Luanne, is the talented trio Sam Thomas, Saul Kavenagh and Ned Kelly who take on the roles of Southern underground figures.
A full company rendition of Mama Let Me In is to follow, their stunning voices beautifully synchronising together.
Lottie Smith and Ned Kelly perform the Twilight-esque, Twisted Teeth, in a whirlwind of hilarious unpredictability. It’s a theatrical retelling of a woman falling in love with a vampire, who’s much less loyal than Edward Cullen.
The Ballad of Sara Berry is led by the majestic Alessia Charman with exuberant accompaniment from Addisyn Herndon and company. Charman brilliantly portrays the desperate ambitions of the wannabe prom queen. This song is also a highlight of the group choreography, with the full cast in perfect rhythm and matching each other’s high energy.
A blend of music and imagery, 35MM: A Musical Exhibition is a reflection of life and art. Experience the snapshots of other people’s memories in this musical that zooms in on the fun, sad and unexpected elements of everyday life.
The Scoop doesn’t usually assign star ratings to student productions, but if it did, this one would receive 5 stars.
The company at the Queensland Academy of Excellence in Musical Theatre are extraordinary and clearly have bright futures ahead of them. Don’t miss the chance to see them in 35MM: A Musical Exhibition before it’s over in a flash.
35mm: A Musical Exhibition runs to 9 May 2026. Presented by the 3rd year Musical Theatre students at the Queensland Academy of Excellence in Musical Theatre (QAEMT), Griffith University. Cremorne Theatre, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC).
Tickets: https://www.qpac.com.au/whats-on/2026/qcgu-35mm
Website: https://www.griffith.edu.au/arts-education-law/queensland-academy-of-excellence-in-musical-theatre
Socials: Socials: https://www.instagram.com/qaemt.griffithuni/
Photo credits: Kenn Wylchi
