Emerald Theatre Company are the new kids on the block in the Christchurch community of emerging professional companies. Their first production is the NZ premiere of David Friedman’s song cycle Listen To My Heart, playing at Little Andromeda.

Although he’s not a household name, David Friedman is a talented songwriter and composer who has won numerous awards. This show immediately brought to mind other successful song cycles, like Jason Robert Brown’s Songs for a New World and John Bucchino’s Grateful (both of which have been performed in Christchurch before.)

The non-linear nature of the show means we are treated to captured moments in time and the relationships between different characters are unfurled slowly, like a flower blooming or a full moon waxing. None of the characters are named, but this doesn’t stop us from being emotionally invested in their journeys. A work like this will sink or swim based on the calibre of the performers, and this show features five of the best singers in Ōtautahi, and a very talented pianist/musical director. 

Themes of love found and lost, intertwined with character journeys of self-esteem and belonging are handled with terrific subtlety and nuance. Even when some of the lyrics can feel a little bit predictable and twee, the emotional pull provided by the performers keeps the material from becoming saccharine or feeling fake. 

As Man 1, James Foster is superb. His sweeping vocal range demonstrates power and vulnerability. The intimacy between he and Ella Wallace is delicate and exciting to watch, especially through the songs ‘We Live On Borrowed Time’ and ‘I’ll Be Here With You’ in the second half. It is such a shame that an audience member’s cellphone goes off during the most emotional moment of the show. It boggles the mind that in 2024 some people still can’t remember, or don’t know how, to put their phones on silent before a performance begins.

Elian Pagalilawan is Man 2 and set the bar high with his first song, ‘You’re Already There’, in establishing his talent as one to watch. Having just moved to Christchurch last year, I have no doubt we’ll be seeing a lot more of him on stage and I’ll be looking forward to it.

Bringing the sweetest top notes into the mix is Jaqueline Doherty. Her song in the second half, ‘We Can Be Kind’, is incredibly moving and I am delighted to learn that its lyrics have formed the basis of a book written by David Friedman. It is like being serenaded by an angel.

Meghan Dunn delivers a star turn as Woman 2, singing arguably the two most fun songs in the show. Her comedic delivery of ‘I’m Not My Mother’ hits very close to home; it is impossible not to cringe and laugh at the same time. And in the second half, ‘My Simple Wish’, is so unmistakably relatable it has us all in stitches. Her sense of timing, both musical and comedic, is commendable and her vocal capabilities are superb. 

Ella Wallace rounds out the ensemble as Woman 3 and, in addition to providing the moments of intimacy with James as mentioned above, her tenderness is also on display solo especially in the song ‘You’ll Always Be My Baby’ in the first half.

Each of these performers is more than capable of holding our attention and grabbing our heartstrings on their own, but the best moments in the show are those that call for the entire cast to sing together. The vocal arrangements of the show are complex and incredibly rewarding to hear sung so well, especially the layers of background vocal support and the close five-part harmonies of songs like the show-stopping ‘Help Is On The Way’. 

With 13 songs in each half, plus a delightful encore number following the bows, the show is exceptionally well-paced. Even including the interval, we were out before 9pm. A great song cycle should be assembled like a box of chocolates – each song needs to be its own delicious moment worthy of exploration. David Friedman clearly understood the assignment as he has provided ample material worth exploring.

We’re spoilt for choice in Christchurch when it comes to emerging professional theatre offerings, and I’m grateful we have spaces like Little Andromeda to help them launch. The intimate nature of the venue superbly serves the intimate storytelling in this show. I trust this is the start of something great for Emerald Theatre Company and I’m looking forward to seeing what they produce next. 

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