"I can play" — When a 21-year-old student saved the show at La La Land in Concert
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — On May 30, 2026, during the opening performance of Justin Hurwitz's La La Land in Concert at the Darling Harbour Theatre, an unexpected medical emergency threatened to derail the show.
A musician in the orchestra became ill during the first half. The interval was extended to 40 minutes while production staff scrambled to find a replacement.
Conductor and composer Justin Hurwitz addressed the audience directly, asking if any pianist with sight-reading skills was present.
Sterling Nasa, a 21-year-old university student in the audience, volunteered. A friend had urged Nasa to offer his help.
Nasa, who plays piano, organ, and bagpipes, was directed to the stage. Sound technicians and keyboard programmers quickly prepared the instrument for him. For the second half of the performance, Nasa performed on the celeste.
During the piece "Start a Fire," Nasa was unable to sight-read the original part. He improvised a synth solo on the spot.
After the concert, the audience responded with applause and a standing ovation. Nasa briefly spoke with Hurwitz, who expressed surprise and gratitude for Nasa's performance. Nasa described the experience as a privilege.
Nasa is a student of politics and international relations at the University of Sydney.
The production is currently rehearsing new keyboardists for upcoming tour legs in Melbourne and Brisbane.