I’ll be honest, when I first read The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, I didn’t connect with or really like it. The concept was interesting to me because it was about a man who ages backward and how society sees that. But the story felt distant and almost made me mad about some of the choices that were made. The characters seemed to go only one direction, and the story almost made Benjerimin Button this mean man. I found it more confusing and weird at times. I understood what the theme that was trying to say about time, aging, and social norms, but it felt distant and unemotional. So, I didn’t have high expectations when I went to see the show live. I was expecting it to be very similar to the short story and not very personal. But, Oh Boy, was I wrong.
Seeing Benjamin Button performed live changed everything. I fell in love with this show and everyone in it. On stage, Benjamin wasn’t just aging in reverse; he was trying to find love, connection, and identity in a world that didn’t understand him. Through the actor’s body language, expressions, and voice, I finally saw the emotional layers that were missing in the short story. I was able to see the heart and soul of every character and watch him struggle and learn to accept his identity.
Watching his relationships unfold with his parents, his wife, and his child brought the heartbreaking truth about his condition. I loved how there were so many metaphors in the stage production and how everything kind of came full circle. I loved being able to see his relationship start with Elowen and how they both left their homes to find each other. I also enjoyed the added element of when she knew he was dying his hairgrey and getting thicker lenses so he appeared older. Bringing this story to the stage and making it come to life in a more beautiful way was so amazing.
Even in the dialogue, the play revealed Benjamin’s thoughts in a way that the story never did. Instead of being told how people viewed him, I got to hear how he felt and his confusion, fear, and acceptance of his identity. It was authentic, painful, and real. I didn’t expect to cry during this show, especially after reading the short story.
Overall, I loved this production so much. It has to be one of the best new musicals I have seen in a long time. The actors did an amazing job, and they are all so talented. Each one of them was able to play multiple different instruments and still performed so beautifully. I was in awe of everyone and they beautiful messages throughout the production. I especially loved how real every scene was such as the death of his daughter, and the relationship and death of his wife. That scene where they got to see the mans first step on the moon together before she died was breath taking. I can’t believe how much I loved it! I still can’t get over this show!!
Theatre in London U of A 