Review: IN PIECES, Future Spotlight Productions (Online)

Photo credit: Liz Heinrichs

Relationships are something that we can all relate to. Falling in love and out of it, and finding yourself at a crossroads of which path to take. This is the overriding theme flowing through Joey Contreras’ song cycle, In Pieces, which is currently receiving its UK and European premiere on stream.theatre.

Future Spotlight Productions have handpicked some of our finest musical theatre performers to star in the feature film, of which proceeds will support the LGBT Foundation. The captivating 80-minute piece is expertly directed by Louis Rayneau and filmed at Kidzania in London, which provides an ideal backdrop to the action, set in New York City.

The camerawork is fluid and constantly moving with seamless transitions between sets, which more than adds to the pace and feel of the film.

The entirely sung through piece contains 22 songs, musically directed by Edward Court, whereby the quality of the vocals and Contreras’ songwriting emanate from the high calibre cast including Kyle Birch (Austyn), Amy Di Bartolomeo (Alex), Hiba Elchikhe (Sam), Jordan Luke Gage (Grey), Ross Harmon (Charlie), Beccy Lane (Jael), Danielle Steers (River), and Luke Street (Hunter), with Erin Bell, Millie Cranston, Jack Dargan, Megan Cerys Holland, Rhianna Richards, and Jason Leigh Winter as the ensemble.

Rachel Sargeant’s choreography matches the contemporary, modern feel of the music and is natural and ‘in-the-moment’. It’s not flashy, but instead is understated, poetic and absolutely perfect for this film.

Whilst it is almost impossible to pick from the multitude of incredible performances, highlights include the exceptional talent that is Danielle Steers, with her brilliantly placed acting during ‘With Him’; Ross Harmon’s endearing performance of ‘Me and Mr Popularity’; Jordan Luke Gage performing a pained, powerful performance with ‘This Is Not Me’; the extremely catchy ‘Like You Don’t Miss Me’ featuring the sassy, charismatic Steers, Amy Di Bartolomeo and Hiba Elchikhe; the power vocals that Di Bartolomeo brings to ‘Sing The Same Line’ with the gorgeous swell of supportive backing vocals; and the poignant ending featuring the whole company for ‘In Pieces’.

This contemporary pop score is sprinkled with musical theatre magic to provide a musical for our time.

**** Five stars

Reviewed by: Jenny Ell

In Pieces is available to stream until 26 April here.