Moment by Moment
UK Premiere - 19th October 2026
USA Premiere – 5th October 2026
{PR Gifted ticket}
Presenting 17 songs written by Alexander Sage Oyen, Moment by Moment captures unique stories of a range of characters. Each with different backgrounds, tales and lives. The song cycle showcases the perspectives of the people living in New York City, accompanying them, the sense of joy, sadness, betrayal and uncertainty.
The songs are original and are brought to life by a fantastic cast of performers (Cassidy Janson, Chloe Saracco, Cleve September, Collette Guitart, Jarnéia Richard-Noel, Jordan Donnelly, Katie Tonkinson, Lois Gay, May Tether and Ross Harmon). The talents of the actors are undeniable. Acting through the melody and the lyrics of the songs, they use this as a platform to channel emotions that embody their respective characters.
Unfortunately, the strength of this production stops at the talents it managed to assemble. The film heavily leans into the black and white aesthetic to create a retro feel to the film, creating a contrast when colour is introduced in the occasional scenes. Initially, the scenes colours were deliberately used in moments of imagination and euphoria, which are appropriate. However, as the film progressed, the use of colour seems to become more random, unpredictable and lack any association with song itself. In one particular song, it is used whenever the character sings of McDonalds. Perhaps, it is a reference to the red and yellow colour scheme associated with this fast-food chain.
The songs are also arranged in I can only describe as a random order. Even though it is fully acknowledged that the different stories presented are not linked, the sequence in which they are presented do not lend itself to any coherent emotional journey. I can’t help but feel that some of the songs could be grouped to enable the audience to react to a theme more fully over a slightly longer period than a few minutes before they experience the whiplashed into a completely opposite emotional response.
It is unclear what the ultimate aim of Moment by Moment is beyond showcasing the cast members’ talents. Although the songs themselves are generally of a good quality (with a couple of exceptions), I am personally not convinced that a song cycle as a film is the right medium for it and in fact may be more cost effective and productive for it to be produced as an album from the get go.
Creatives
Writer/Composer: Alexander Sage Oyen
Director: Louis Rayneau
Choreographer: Rachel Sargent
Musical Director/Supervisor: Robert Bannon
Directors of Photography: James Anthony and Lyndon Brown
Sound: Charlie Stace and Saahil Arora
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