35MM: A Musical Exhibition

The Wellington Footlights Society is proud to present the artistically daring and emotionally compelling 35MM: A Musical Exhibition by Ryan Scott Oliver. Representing a collision of artistic disciplines of musical theatre, photography, and pop/rock music, 35MM turns the musical theatre format on its head, presenting a song cycle that guarantees audience members a truly irrepeatable experience. 35MM is Oliver’s love letter, not just to the idiosyncrasies of life and our attempts to capture it, but also to the work of his husband, Matthew Murphy. Murphy is the creative mind behind most modern Broadway portraits and publicity photography, including Hamilton, Moulin Rouge, and Beetlejuice. 

35MM is a 90 minute one act song cycle blending musical genres which tells the stories inspired by twelve photographs.  From the small nuances of long term relationships in the rock-tinged duet ‘You Make Me Happy,’ to the gothic all cast number ‘Ballad of Sara Berry,’ the songs explore what might have happened in the moments around the split second captured on film. 

There is truly something for everyone, and we cannot wait to share this production with the Wellington community.

Music and Lyrics by Ryan Scott Oliver

Based on the photographs by Matthew Murphy

Directed by Emily K Brown

Musical Direction by Jess Weston

Choreography by Katty Lau