Calvin Berger isn’t just another high school musical; the production, which is currently on at The Playhouse as part of the UpStage series, is a whip-smart, emotionally charged production that feels both familiar and fresh.
At its heart is Seb Smee as Calvin who delivered a performance so lived-in and self-aware it’s hard to imagine the character being played by anyone else.
Smee’s Calvin is equal parts loveable, infuriating, and vulnerable, navigating insecurity, ego, and the chaos of teenage emotion with believable nuance. Whether he’s firing off witty one-liners or quietly crumbling under the weight of his own schemes, Smee commands attention. His chemistry with the rest of the cast, especially Zoe Chan’s sharp Bret, anchors the show’s emotional core.
What really elevates Calvin Berger is the way it lets its cast breathe. When the four leads drop the musical theatre sheen and really interact the show comes alive with tension, awkwardness, and unexpected tenderness. It’s in these unguarded exchanges that Amber Curby’s directorial debut shines, allowing her actor’s space to be vulnerable without losing momentum.
That’s not to say the show is all soul-searching and subtlety. This script is packed with fast, funny dialogue and sharp observations, and the laughs land hard thanks to some great timing. Jude Schillert’s lovable doofus is often a scene-stealer, while Finlay Page plays Rosanna with a magnetic mix of charm and confusion.
While there are the occasional clunky moments and a few musical numbers that feel like they’re working harder than they need to, these things are minor compared to the overall impact.
Calvin Berger may start with a familiar premise, but what unfolds on the Playhouse stage is something that feels entirely its own — funny, fierce, and full of heart. You can catch the final performances this week by picking up a ticket at civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
