MOMENT BY MOMENT: A New Wave of Musical Magic on Screen

Plenty of people imagine musicals as lavish stage productions with elaborate sets and show-stopping numbers designed to sweep the audience off their feet. And while that’s often true, the rise of streaming platforms and digital releases has opened up an entirely new realm of possibilities. Producers aren’t just thinking about how to fill theatre seats; they’re also pondering how best to leverage the intimacy of cinema to captivate viewers in living rooms around the world.

MOMENT BY MOMENT represents a fascinating intersection of these worlds. Written over a decade ago, the piece began humbly as a concert at 54 Below in New York—one of those legendary cabaret spots where emerging and established Broadway talents test-drive their new creations. At the time, Alexander Sage Oyen was encouraged by close friends and collaborators who believed in his unique musical voice. Now, that song cycle is poised to reach a global audience in cinematic form.

For context, Future Spotlight Productions’ previous musical film, IN PIECES, demonstrated that there’s a robust appetite for reimagined stage works on screen. According to a survey by Live Performance Australia, audiences are increasingly willing to explore digital theatre experiences, particularly if the content is fresh, contemporary, and easily accessible. MOMENT BY MOMENT aligns perfectly with this trend. It promises to showcase everyday stories, dreams, and nightmares woven together through music—an experience that’s likely to resonate with fans of raw, human-centred narratives.

The Heart and Soul of the Show

At its core, MOMENT BY MOMENT captures a day-in-the-life portrait of a group of strangers. But it’s not merely a casual observation of mundane activities. Instead, the piece delves into each character’s interior world, shining a spotlight on hidden anxieties and jubilant aspirations that shape our daily existence. By giving voice to personal journeys, Alexander Sage Oyen reveals how even the smallest occurrences—like a chance meeting on a train, or a fleeting exchange in a coffee queue—can ripple through a person’s psyche in transformative ways.

In describing his process, Alexander Sage Oyen noted how special it is to revisit material he wrote so many years ago. Time can shift perspectives, and so can collaborating with new creative minds. This next iteration of MOMENT BY MOMENT promises updated arrangements and orchestrations, carefully sculpted to enhance the cinematic experience. Fans of Oyen’s earlier work might wonder: Will these changes alter the show’s core? If his recent statement is any indication, the essence of the original piece remains intact, but with a layer of polish and invention that comes from a decade of artistic evolution.

The Power Players Behind the Scenes

If you’re the sort of theatre-goer who leafs through every page of a programme before the lights dim, then you’ll appreciate the top-tier team behind this adaptation. Directing the film is Louis Rayneau, whose track record for merging theatrical flair with cinematic techniques caught the attention of those hunting for fresh visionaries in musical theatre cinema. Choreography comes courtesy of Rachel Sargent, responsible for shaping the movement that punctuates each lyrical moment, while Robert Bannon steps in as musical director and supervisor. Expect him to bring a keen ear for harmony, ensuring that every voice and instrumental layer complements the emotional beats of the narrative.

Behind the camera is Lyndon Brown, whose role as director of photography is vital for creating the film’s visual language. Then we have Charlie Stace and Saahil Arora as sound designers, a duo crucial for balancing the intricacies of live vocals and orchestrations in a film environment. Rounding out the creative ensemble is Sarah Jane Price in charge of casting, Sammy Wagner as music producer, Nichol Kelly tackling costume design, and Kailey Walkeroverseeing hair and make-up. It’s a veritable dream team, each expert in translating stage magic to the screen.

This synergy is part of what sets MOMENT BY MOMENT apart. In the theatre world, you often see collaborations spanning multiple shows, but transforming a fully realised concert piece into a film requires an even higher level of cohesion. The entire creative team must dance in harmony—quite literally—so that the final product captures the immediacy of a live performance while capitalising on the intimacy and nuance that film can offer.

Oyen’s Approach to Collaboration

One aspect that might come as a surprise is how deeply Alexander Sage Oyen values the input of the entire cast and crew. Though he’s the composer and lyricist, he’s known for drawing inspiration from the personalities and talents of the people around him. Word from those familiar with his process hints at a work environment where improvisation and spur-of-the-moment ideas are not just tolerated, but openly encouraged. In a traditional stage setting, you’ve got a finite rehearsal period, and much of the creative process becomes locked once previews begin. However, in crafting a film musical, there’s room for iterative experimentation. If a melody or lyric line doesn’t quite resonate on screen, there’s time to tweak it before final cuts.

Industry insiders who have observed Oyen in the rehearsal studio say that the synergy among the cast—once we know their names—will likely be a major highlight of the film. The official cast list hasn’t been announced yet, but the rumour mill is buzzing. Could we see fresh faces who are about to become new darlings of the musical theatre scene? Or perhaps we’ll spot a few beloved veterans from West End or Broadway circles? One thing’s for sure: with Sarah Jane Price as casting director, we can anticipate a line-up that balances seasoned pros with emerging talent—mirroring that same spirit of collaborative discovery that launched MOMENT BY MOMENT in its infancy.

Spring Release and Beyond

Though we’re still awaiting final casting news, the plan is to release MOMENT BY MOMENT next spring, which, for those of us in the Southern Hemisphere, means a charming autumn watch in our local cinemas or on our streaming devices. Given the rapid changes in the global distribution of theatrical content, it wouldn’t be surprising if we see a simultaneous release strategy—part online, part festival circuit. Future Spotlight Productions did something similar with their previous offerings, ensuring that fans far and wide could experience the magic without necessarily travelling to a particular city.

According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, viewership of digital theatre content has risen steadily over the past few years, particularly during periods when live venues had limited capacities. While theatres are roaring back to life now, many audiences still appreciate the flexibility of being able to watch new musicals on demand. MOMENT BY MOMENT looks perfectly poised to thrive in this dual landscape: theatre buffs longing for that on-stage feeling will revel in its authenticity, while casual movie-goers might be drawn to the intimate cinematic approach.

Gather Round Musical Theatre Lovers

Here’s the bottom line: the evolution of musicals into cinematic form is more than just a passing fad. It’s an expansion of how we consume and appreciate art. Productions like MOMENT BY MOMENT honour the communal spark that defines theatre—those fleeting moments when the audience’s collective heartbeat seems to synchronise with the performers’—but then preserve it on screen for repeated viewings, allowing the show to connect with an even broader audience.

It also propels talented composers like Alexander Sage Oyen into the limelight they deserve. There’s something thrilling about witnessing an artist’s journey come full circle. A decade ago, he stood at 54 Below, unveiling these songs to a small but enthusiastic crowd. Next year, those melodies will echo on screens worldwide, ushering in a new wave of musical storytelling and, quite possibly, reminding us just how magical an ordinary day can become when viewed through the prism of song.

So, if you’re the sort who believes that musicals are more than just a glitzy pastime—if you cherish their ability to tug at your heartstrings, spark conversation, or even shift your worldview—then get ready. This is a production that may well define a moment in the evolution of modern musical cinema. Keep your eyes peeled for casting announcements, start saving a date for the release, and prepare to immerse yourself in those small, everyday victories and defeats that MOMENT BY MOMENT lays bare for all to see.

In a world often obsessed with spectacle, it’s a breath of fresh air to find a work unafraid to examine life’s minutiae—life’s funny, awkward, heartbreaking, uplifting minutiae—through the lens of a song cycle. And when the time comes to hit play, whether in a cosy cinema or curled up on your sofa, I’ve a hunch you’ll hear a few notes that take you back to those intimate spaces—the basement bars, the open-mic nights, the living room concerts—where musicals start their wondrous journey. Because sometimes, the most extraordinary magic is found in the most ordinary moments.