35MM: A Musical Exhibition

Music and Lyrics by Ryan Scott Oliver
Based off Photos by Matthew Murphy

Co-Director/Co-Choreographer Matthew Greenberg
Co-Direction/Co-Choreography by Gabrielle Pedraza (BFA, 2023) and Bec Hyde (BFA, 2023)
Music Direction: Dr. Sun Jung Lee

Production Manager: Aubrey Sirtautas
Stage Manager: Sunny Rawlinson
Intimacy Coordinator: Dan Stevens
Text Coach: Brianne Stevens
Scenic/Prop/Costumes: Devised by the Cast and Creative Team

West Virginia University Falbo Series at The Museum Events Center

35MM: A Musical Exhibition is a collage of songs connected only by the actors who sing them. Leaning into the idea of “exhibition,” I wanted to set this show in an immersive art gallery.

As soon as the audience walked into the West Virginia University Art Museum, they saw sheet music and a collage of images that the songs were inspired by from the show. Creating in a sight specific way allowed some creative flexibility to lean outside of “traditional theatre arrangements” I wanted the audience seated in a large thrust seating, so that audience members would be able to watch not only the actors on the stage in front of and around them, but also, watch each other during the performance. Additionally seats were added in the audiences for the 6 actors to be able to interact with the viewer and fellow actors in an immersive way, never leaving the stage throughout the performance.

The cast and production team created an instagram handle, in which each cast member had access to document behind the scene photos, polls and live rehearsal footage to generate publicity and a living archive. We were able to connect with a large student body on campus and sold out each performance.

This production was part of WVU’s 2021-2022 mainstage season, and was part of the unfunded “Falbo Series.” I had to rely on props, set, and costumes that could be found without using any budget. This allowed me to think about what is essential to serve the story. Moreover, to grow the size of the production team from simply me, I utilized an ensemble-directed approach, relying on the expertise of undergraduate BFA Musical Theatre students to use their lived experiences to help create the world of our play. They were simply experts in all areas and it was so rewarding to mentor them and to see their ideas take flight on the stage.

35MM: A Musical Exhibition was nominated by The West Virginia Broadway World Awards for Best Actor in a Musical, Best Actress in a Musical, Best Direction of a Musical, Best Choreography, and Best Featured Actor in a Musical.

Below is a little of the director’s note, written by my co-creatives, Gabby and Bec:

It is not WHAT is in the picture, but rather, WHO is in the picture.

Welcome to the Museum Events Center at West Virginia University and welcome to the first show of our 2021-2022 season, 35mm: A Musical Exhibition. Our world might seem out of focus these days as we develop new patterns and ways of working. This show is no exception. This production is co-directed and co- choreographed between BA undergraduate students and faculty. There is no one right way to see the world and that principle is applied to creating a world on stage.

Using elements of Jerzy Grotowski's "Poor Theatre," (meaning the focus is on the actors' transformation with little scenic design and props) and re-tracking the show to give the score new sounds and new bodies on stage, we've devised something contemporary, challenging, and most importantly, a world where ordinary objects can become extraordinarily ones. By elucidating the power of people sharing a space and sharing air, we hope you are able to take what you need and leave the space differently than when you entered.

This production of 35mm: A Musical Exhibition is an accumulation of the stories and lives of people that happen all around us. The world of 35mm is explored through the lens of a camera and the photographs that develop. These resulting photographs lead us to inspect the foundation of how people in society are perceived. By bringing these pictures to life, the image of humanity is laid bare.

This extraordinary show tackles very tough subjects that are plaguing our lives. It is our job as creators and performers to share stories that spread awareness to those subjects. Telling stories that deal with love and loss, abuse and trauma, or the trials and tribulations of relationships is no easy feat, but in this moment in time, we felt there was no better way to communicate these themes than through this powerful musical. This show is the biggest embodiment of how precious every moment is, and what it means to exist in this crazy, mixed-up world of ours.