Melbourne Theatre Company’s new musical, Bloom, explores the theme of institutionalism and the dehumanizing effect it has on individuals. While similar in concept to Louis Nowra’s Così, which takes place in a mental hospital, Bloom is set in an aged care home. The musical follows Finn, a young university student who finds himself living in the Pine Grove Aged Care Facility in exchange for light care duties. The highly experienced cast, directed by Dean Bryant, brings these characters to life and showcases their musical talents.
Finn’s arrival coincides with the admission of Rose, a new resident known for her adventurous life. Rose’s confinement serves as a contrast to Finn and Ruby, highlighting their potential versus her limited options. The convergence of these worldviews adds emotional depth to the musical. Bloom, like its predecessor Così, allows each actor to shine individually while emphasizing the power of community through ensemble performances. And it is during these group numbers that the musical truly comes alive, with songs that evoke Sondheim’s Company.
The performances in Bloom are outstanding, with seasoned musical theatre actors like John O’May and Maria Mercedes bringing life to even minor roles. The younger performers also impress with their vocal abilities, particularly Vidya Makan with her powerful solo. Anne Edmonds delivers a comedic performance as Mrs. MacIntyre, and Evelyn Krape shines as Rose, portraying her with depth and humanity.
The production design in Bloom is meticulous, creating an authentic and worn-out atmosphere that reflects the aged care home. The costumes by Charlotte Lane are naturalistic yet endearing, and Amelia Lever-Davidson’s lighting adds the necessary coldness to the environment. Bryant’s direction strikes a balance between energy and realism, capturing both the vibrancy and sadness of the story.
Bloom tackles a serious and relevant social issue – the state of aged care in Australia. While the show approaches it with humor, the underlying message is powerful: isolating aged care from the community and subjecting it to corporatization is detrimental to our collective humanity. Despite some shortcomings in the songs and lyrics, Bloom urges a solution where young and old generations work together to address this pressing problem.
Overall, Bloom is a smart, creative, and unique musical that prompts reflection on the dehumanizing effects of institutionalism and the importance of intergenerational connection.
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