Fragile Heavy This Way Up

24/05/2024

A short progress update to showcase new digital backgrounds that will quickly set the scene. Artwork by the talented Wendy at Picta Creative

26/11/2022

PROGRESS UPDATE - STILL DREAMING

A year has passed since our Preview Presentation. For a number of reasons 2022 has been a tough and stressful year, not conducive to either creativity or production. However, in the past few months I've had some renewed energy and focus.

I've written a new song; had an exciting discussion with an illustrator about digital backdrops; and even got an international flight on which to read and revise the script.

My heartfelt thanks go to all the people who provided feedback and ideas for improving the show. For those who are interested, here is what has changed so far:

* Replaced Robyn's story about the incident with a dramatic song, "No Time to Think"

* Added a reprise of "When I'm Flying" for Sam, to give him some more character development

* Cut the Ladder song - it had an intended purpose (and was a catchy earworm), but I decided it was not really needed and the new song and reprise make this a stronger scene

* Added an interaction in Act 1 to remind the audience of Kate and Jenni's story and relationship

* Gave the Announcer more funny lines, especially in Act 2 (well, I think they're funny)

* Announcer to appear onstage for her "I Saved the Day Once" story

* Tried to make Steve less sleazy, and better show the existing connection and flirting between Steve and Lisa

* Gave Jake's story a happier resolution

* Missing passenger Mr Green now keeps appearing in different scenes, still late for his flight

A live Beagle on stage has not been written into the script as canon. Sorry, Tamsin.

My next big goal is to get the show back on stage, this time with a larger cast, live singing and choreography. Can it happen? I hope so, but even if it doesn't, working on the show gives me energy and purpose so I will keep dreaming.

-Matt

14/04/2022

A few highlights from our Preview Presentation on 28 November, 2021 at Frankston Arts Centre.

Awesome dancing from Harlem Shout, Swing Patrol Melbourne. Song demo tracks and guitar parts developed with the talented Lyndon Wesley Music and recorded at Bounce Recording Studios. And a fantastic small cast who put on an entertaining show with only a few days of rehearsal. The high quality videos are thanks to James Terry Collective.

A big thank you to everyone that played a part in getting to this point. I dream of putting on a full production in the future, but regardless of whether there is a next step I'm so happy to have workshopped the show and presented it in this hybrid format to friends and family. -Matthew Bertram, April 2022.

25/03/2022