A Mirrored Monet review – painter reflects on his past in a musical with heart and humour
Why it matters: This musical offers a humanizing, complex portrait of an art icon, challenging conventional narratives.
- The musical delves into Monet's later life in 1916, showing him grappling with cataracts and reflecting on his early career and personal sacrifices, particularly his mistreatment of his wife, Camille.
- Carmel Owen's ambitious book is praised for its depth in exploring themes like artistic struggle, the establishment's dismissal of Impressionism, and art's relationship to war and women, though its abundance of reflections can be distracting.
- Libby Todd's set design is a major strength, transforming empty canvases into vivid impressionist paintings and animated backdrops, inviting the audience into the artistic movement.
- Director Christian Durham leads an accomplished cast, with Jeff Shankley delivering moving introspection as the older Monet and Brooke Bazarian and Dean John-Wilson providing standout vocals, though the strongest connections are between young Monet and his fellow artists Bazille and Renoir.
- An excellent eight-piece orchestra performs Owen's songs, which aptly guide the story's emotional beats, though the melodies are noted as not being distinctive enough to be memorable.
The new musical "A Mirrored Monet" offers a compelling, if at times sprawling, reflection on Claude Monet's life, moving beyond his artistic triumphs to explore the personal costs of his ambition, particularly his treatment of his first wife, Camille. While the show's ambitious scope can lead to a split focus, it shines through its stunning visual design, strong performances, and heartfelt portrayal of the camaraderie among the young Impressionists.
