A Daydreamer meets a Sleepwalker during an eclipse, and nature itself decides to oversee their story. You’ll need to see NYMPH, a new original musical from Jennifer Trijo, to find out how these two characters from opposing cultures navigate what happens next. 

The show follows Luna and Sol on a journey of self-discovery through a fantasy realm where the two characters are grappling to balance how they are with how the world wants them to be. It’s gentle and earnest, and if you’re the kind of person who leans into that kind of storytelling, it will absolutely touch your heart. The audience certainly felt it, awarding the cast with a well-deserved standing ovation.

NYMPH is stacked with local vocal talent, and Sophie Volp as Luna is one to watch. Pitch perfect and evocative, her song about everything she hasn’t done yet, and the courage it takes to finally try, was beautiful. Sol (played by Joey Haenen) was also a highlight with his song about seeing and accepting himself, all the beauty and all the mess. The rest of the cast, including Trijo herself, were so perfectly in tune and choreographed that it was almost hard to believe it was all live. Trijo’s original score is lush, layered, and more than carries the emotional arc of the story.

As a fantasy lover, I found the world of Sleepwalkers and Daydreamers to be rich with possibility. There were moments where I wanted the mythology or the tension between the characters to go a little deeper.

If you love musical theatre and you want to see exceptional South Australian talent sharing a vulnerable story about accepting and believing in your truest self, don’t miss NYMPH.

NYMPH runs at Nexus Arts from 27 February to 5 March. Tickets at the Adelaide Fringe website here.

4 stars

By Amy Sincock