Review: The Scale of Power, Union Theatre

Music permeates every aspect of our lives. For some, it is a vital aspect of it. But what if it was an economic one as well? The Scale of Power is a new musical set in a world where your vocal range determines your socio-economic status. It sounds absurd, and yet it makes for an emotional and beautiful story. The story by Jiaxin Bernice Zheng is one of wanting more than you have and being willing to give everything to get it. It is not a new idea, but in The Scale of Power it is extremely effective. 

Aiden, played by Lorenzo Sartori, wants the royal life and feels tempted to cheat his way into it, while Lyra, played by Mo Crook, is desperate to keep it even if it harms her. It’s easy to understand and feel for the characters, to relate to their struggles, thanks to this; the simplicity of the plot allows for innovation in its setting, which is what makes it stand out. The musical world this story is set in is well-crafted and logical in its own way, as well as a fantastic medium in which to present a very diegetic musical. The story is crafted with so much attention and care that all the details align perfectly with the setting they are in, never creating any confusion. The jokes, the songs, the dramatic moments all fall perfectly in line thanks to this very well constructed world and a story that, though simple, is air-tight. 

However, with only a 75-minute approximate runtime, the events all happen too fast to feel the weight they hold. There is not a proper understanding of what being high class or low class looks like in this society, only assumptions that come with the names, so the stakes feel minimal. The characters also wrestle only briefly with their decisions, Aiden especially, and both of them seem to have a very quick change of heart based on a single encounter with each other. It seems as if there is an overreliance on the moral conclusion of ‘not changing yourself for society’. While understandable and effective, it is not as powerful nor as satisfying as it could be if we had spent more time with the characters and in the world. 

This musical features great songs (Junhong Lyu) and great choreography (Wei Yuan). There is a precise understanding as to when exactly they should be featured, matching the show’s emotional beats. The sounds and melodies of this musical are quite in line with current musical theatre, which makes them palatable to contemporary musical theatre audiences. That being said, there isn’t yet a strong enough musical identity to make it stand out amongst other projects. 

The cast of The Scale of Power does an amazing job. They act, sing, and dance in a smooth and confident way, enthralling the audience. Sartori and Crook carry the emotional weight of the play very well, imbuing emotions into their singing without compromising the quality. The rest of the cast support them vocally and carry both the comedic and satiric aspects of the show.  

The 21 July showing of The Scale of Power was, according to director Zheng, the first time this show was publicly and properly staged. It is a very strong beginning, a solid foundation from which to expand the story into all it can be. And I personally think that it can be truly great. 

Directed by Elisabeth Tu
Written and Composed by Elisabeth Tu: Junhong Lyu
Story Writer: Jiaxin Bernice Zheng
Produced by Jiaxin Bernice Zheng & Junhong Lyu & Guzhu Qiwen
Production Assistant: Xinyue Zhao
Stage Manager & Assistant Director: Ong Jin Yi
Choreographer & Movement Director: Wei Yuan
Musical Director/ Vocal Coach: Zoe (Ruoyi) Yan
Sound Design by Haining Andrée Yin
Sound No.1: Steven Tovell
Costume Design by Stirling Beatson
Set & Prop Design by Jiahe Guo

The Scale of Power has finished its run at The Union Theatre