For all those Hollywood buffs out there, you may struggle to restrain any uncontrollable toe tapping and humming during the Garrick Theatre’s latest production, the ‘Musical Melody’. Anyone would understand if you burst into song during ‘I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair’ (South Pacific), ‘Le Jazz Hot’ (Victor/Victoria) or ‘We Go Together’ (Grease).
However, there would be plenty of complaints if anyone interrupted Katie Nowland’s operatic performance of ‘Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man’, in a spellbinding rendition of the Show Boat tune. Other highlights include energetic performances of ‘The Tapioca’ (Thoroughly Modern Millie) and ‘Carrying The Banner’ (Newsies).
It was wonderful to see some familiar faces return to the stage, including Carly Ranger and Lily Wakeling from the Garrick’s Sweeney Todd 2025 production, as well as Kody Fellows (Narnia). From ‘Cursed’ returned Steph Hickey, Erin Shay Horrigan, Ethan Dal Molin and Ben Vaughan-Sanders (who will also be performing in the upcoming ‘The Playboy of the Western World’ production).
To debut on the Garrick’s seasoned stage are Kyla Retirado and Priom Bhattacharjee in their first forays into community theatre, alongside Fringe Festival regular James Carduff.
Who can forget to mention host Ian Staunton’s British banter in between acts? No doubt I’m not the only one who hopes to see him return to the Garrick’s well-trodden stage, in a blaze of theatrical glory.
Musical director Juliette Basini and director Tamar Basini also joined the cast with song and dance performances. Under their direction and choreography, the mother-daughter duo brought their love of Hollywood classics to the stage with ‘Kiss Me, Kate’, ‘Meet Me In St. Louis’, ‘My Fair Lady’, ‘The Pajama Game’, ‘Singing in the Rain’ and ‘The Boy Friend’.
Community theatre would never have the opportunity to sparkle without the creativity of those working behind the scenes. So, let’s shine some light on Astro Stewart (Stage Manager), Nera Camponovo (Production Liaison), Mark Nicholson (Lighting), Joe Hoedemaker (Lighting), Declan O’Brien (Sound), Paris Romano Jenner (Props & Photography), Kieran Smith (Photography), Roisin O’Neill (Choreography), Katie Nowland (Vocal warmups), Tamar Basini (Costumes) and Juliette Basini (Photography and Graphic Design). A special mention goes to theatre President Ali McNamara’s help with direction, and Yvonne Star and her front-of-house team.
The Musical Melody takes you on a chang-chang, changity, chang, shoo, bop journey through the ages. With only four shows, it’s no wonder it’s already sold out, featuring an incredibly talented cast whose delightful routines left the audience grinning from ear to ear.
Established in 1932, the Garrick Theatre is Perth’s longest-running community theatre group. Annual memberships are available, and if you’re a cherished member, then you would already know that next on the agenda is The Playboy of the Western World, with performances starting on 4th June 2026.
To book tickets to Musical Melody, please visit https://www.taztix.com.au/event/garricktheatre/.
