This debut production of Elegies: A Song Cycle, from Clovelly Fox and directed by Tyran Parke, retains the deeply personal themes of autobiographical writer William Finn’s original, but it’s not without its flaws.

Nadine Garner in Elegies. Photo © Ben Fon

William Finn, often referred to as “the composer laureate of loss,” wrote Elegies in memoriam of loved ones and in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks. It originally premiered at Lincoln Center in 2003 and has since been performed in many other venues across the world.

This production is staged at Melbourne’s fortyfivedownstairs and stars five celebrated performers in Nadine Garner (The Blake Mysteries), Kerrie Anne Greenland (Miss Saigon), Marty Alix (Hamilton), Anton Berezin (The Phantom of the Opera), and Glenn Hill (Matilda).

Together, they embody figures from Finn’s life – many of whom died of AIDS – and are accompanied by an onstage pianist. Parke’s directorial choice positions the pianist to the side, potentially missing an opportunity to fully immerse the audience in the original Broadway style of the play.

Still, his direction is considered and ever-moving, guiding the performers through sadness, enthusiasm and even anger throughout...