Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – The tone poem-like musical adaptation of PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK casts a moody spell

• By drediman
• January 9, 2026
• No Comments

One of the more fascinating Off-Broadway entries of this winter season is the new musical adaptation of Picnic at Hanging Rock. Based on Joan Lindsay’s 1967 novel of the same name — as well as Peter Weir’s 1975 cult film — the musical tells the unsettling story of the mysterious disappearance of group of schoolgirls and their teacher on a Valentine’s Day picnic at Hanging Rock, a remote site of former volcanic activity located in Victoria, Australia. Featuring no clear cut resolution, the piece is also notable for its staunch feminist perspective and the fever dream quality it brings to the storytelling.

Featuring music by Greta Gertler Gold and lyrics by Hillary Bell, the musical’s high minded indie/pop rock score is evocative and emotive, with strong shades of Duncan Sheik and Steven Slater’s Spring Awakening and Dave Malloy’s Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 streaked though the songs. Although some theatergoers may be frustrated by the ambiguity of Bell’s book — it could be argued that the characters and plot are underdeveloped, but I suspect that’s more than likely by design to stay true to the elusive quality of the underlying material — it does a an admirable job of maintaining an air of mystery throughout. Indeed, the net effect is that of an atmospheric tone poem that casts a suggestive spell rather than being dictated to by the defined strokes and narrative pluck of your typical formulaic musical. That being said, at nearly two-and-a-hours in length (including an intermission), the musical eventually outstays its welcome, its thick mood and dramatic tension wearing thin by the conclusion of the evening. Indeed, Picnic at Hanging Rock would be better served as a pungent one act musical.

Portia Kieger’s ethereal and soulful direction follows suite. Leaning in on the gothic aspects of the dark story, the staging at the intimate Greenwich House theater is immersive and stylish, featuring dreamlike usage of sound (Nick Kourtides), lighting (Barbara Samuels), and dance/movement (Mayte Natalio). The cast is very strong and features a bevy of eager, fresh-faced talents, in addition to introspective, emotionally wrought performances from the likes of Tatianna Córdoba (Real Women Have Curves) and veteran Erin Davie. Like the musical Spring Awakening, the show is most effective in how uncannily the company captures the restless spirit and unrequited desires of adolescence.

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PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK
Off-Broadway, Musical
Greenwich House Theater
2 hours, 15 minutes (including an intermission)
Through January 17