4th - 12th July, 2025 • Civic Theatre, Playhouse
Boy meets girl, boy feels awkward about size of nose, boy gets other boy with reasonable sized nose to woo girl using awkward boy’s words… Remember that one?
In this upbeat, heartfelt musical by new writer Barry Wyner, the classic tale of Cyrano de Bergerac is given a modern, musical-comedy retelling. Set in contemporary America, four teenages struggle with their insecurities as they make their way through the never-ending Judgement Day that is high school; Smitten with the beautiful Rosanna, Calvin is paralyzed by self-doubt due to the size of his nose. No words of encouragement coming from his quirky best girlfriend Bret seem to help. Rosanna finds her head turned by the good-looking new student, Matt, who is painfully shy and unable to voice his mutual attraction to her. Hoping to forge a closer relationship to his love, Calvin offers to pen Matt’s eloquent love notes to Rosanna. As deceptions unravel and truths are revealed, Calvin is about to learn that sometimes what you're looking for is right under your nose.
Hyde Entertainment in association with UpStage at the Playhouse proudly presents the Newcastle Premiere of CALVIN BERGER - winner of the Jerry Bock Award, Richard Rodgers Award, Kleban Prize, and Noel Coward Prize.
THE CAST
Calvin - Seb Smee
Matt - Jude Schillert
Bret - Zoe Chan
Rosanna - Finlay Page
THE TEAM
Produced by - Seb Smee for Hyde Entertainment
Presented by - UpStage at the Playhouse
Book, Music & Lyrics - Barry Wyner
Director - Amber Curby
Music Director - Gabrielle Connett
Associate Director - Seb Smee
Lighting & Sound Design - Miles Punch
Production Design - Seb Smee
Stage Manager - Emma Green
Set Assistance - Tim Neve & The Very Popular Theatre Co
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
2025 CONDA - CITY OF NEWCASTLE DRAMA ASSOCIATION AWARD NOMINATIONS:
To Be Announced...
- Newcastle Live
"CALVIN BERGER isn’t just another high school musical; the production is a whip-smart, emotionally charged production that feels both familiar and fresh."
- Whats The Show (2) / Newcastle Live (1)
"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." "His comedic delivery, tiny nuances and vocals are flawless. Seb, you are a young genius."
- Newcastle Live
"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."
