Into The Woods: Presented by UON Musos

Into The Woods

Into The Woods Rating

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UoN’s Musos took on the production of Sondheim and Lapine’s “Into the Woods”, a well-known challenge within the industry. Refusing to bow to opening night nerves, the cast was admirable, and put on a cracker took on the pressure of opening night nerves, and put on a cracker of performance for their first night show!

Singing, dancing, and acting their way through the performance, the cast transported us into their world of magic and fairytales, with each and every performer putting their all into the show.

The show featured jaw-dropping performances from some show-stopping singers, with their voices and belief in their characters bringing me to tears at all the best moments. Opening night comes with the inevitable occasional issue with timing and cues, but we watched the characters believably progress and grow into themselves. The characters, like the magical beanstalk itself, grew in confidence and timing as the performance went on, and the show will no doubt climb higher in quality and grow stronger with every show.

Aside from the acting, the set design and stage use were phenomenal. The cast had very limited space to perform such an intense play with complex staging, and they managed it extraordinarily well. The props deserved recognition of their own and were incredibly well-suited to the vibe and experience of the show.

Into The Woods

 

Opening night technical issues aside (those flimsy radio mics strike again!!), massive kudos to the tech crew, especially the conductor—he was on his feet but never missed a beat.

I would have loved to see a few more original takes on the characters and scenes, but overall, I recommend this as an enjoyable play, a good evening’s entertainment, and an enjoyable rendition of the popular 1986 play.

With only two sessions left, please show your support for upcoming local talent and book your tickets quickly here at https://www.newcastle.edu.au/events/community-and-alumni/the-conservatorium/into-the-woods-presented-by-uon-musos

Showtimes:

Friday, 13th of September: 6:30-9:30pm
Saturday, 14th of September: 1-4pm, 6:30-9:30pm

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

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Saucy Jack and The Space Vixens

Saucy Jack and The Space Vixens

Saucy Jack and The Space Vixens Rating

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6

SAUCY, SEXY AND SPACY

“Saucy Jack and The Space Vixens” production by Sun Street Studios was instantly engaging from the point of arrival. Mitch Maypole, played by Stuart Ussher, was casually chilling out the front of the Repertory Theatre greeting and directing people to the theatre’s entrance.

The production was held in the back section of the 160-year-old historical building. Ambient mellow lighting and casually dispersed armchairs immediately felt comfortable, relaxed and inviting.

The setting was cleverly laid out and utilised wonderfully by the performers to create an immersive atmosphere of actually being present in Saucy Jack’s Club. It included an effective wall projected neon sign reading “Saucy Jack’s”, a quaint stage for Saucy Jack’s Club performers and a ‘staged’ bar with seated and ready Dr Von Whackoff (David Smith). A dancing pole with a mini stage round was also engagingly fitted amongst the audience chairs.

“Saucy Jack And The Space Vixens” musical was completely unknown to me before this viewing and so I entered open hearted and open minded. The show was fruitful in witty word plays and comedic lines and fabulously delivered infectious laughter, which indeed had the audience, including myself, rolling in hysterics several times. The pinnacle moment was when Dr Von Whackoff revealed what he’d been hiding inconspicuously under his trench coat.

 

Chesty Prospects, played by Angie Hutchinson-Ussher, tragically falls victim to the killer at loose at the end of the first act. To the audience’s delight she remains ‘dead’ on the stage throughout the intermission allowing audience members great amusement to lay beside her and take selfies. Her commitment to her ‘death’ was highly commendable.

The Space Vixens sparkled and shimmered into the second act to investigate the ongoing murders occurring at Saucy Jack’s. Their metallic silver costumes along with their vibrant hair and makeup artistry brought all the fabulous, sexy, razzle dazzle their characters deserved.

Saucy Jack and The Space Vixens is a mature audience show in the adult sense only – not maturity. If you’re in need of a crazy, whacky intergalactic night full of laughs then grab your partner or a group of friends and I guarantee you’ll have a great time.

Top notch restaurants are also conveniently located nearby to make your night out complete.

For tickets, book @ https://www.mrt.org.au/2024-plays/saucy-jack-and-the-space-vixens/

The show is running until the 21st of September, and tickets are a steal at;
$35 adult
$30 concession
Group of 10- $30 each
Also, the drinks at the Repertory Theatre are really well-priced if you fancy one, two, or a few. Enjoy!

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

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Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical

Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical

Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical Rating

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2

The tale of Bonnie & Clyde is a well-known one, but this musical put on by Stand and Deliver Inc. will make you hear it like never before, set to a rambunctious rockabilly and glamorous gospel soundtrack!

The cast of actors performed wonderfully, drawing the audience into their world using their passion and strength of character, each performer nailing their complex character and filling every moment with idiosyncrasies to look out for. The staging meant even the minor characters could steal the spotlight for themselves in each moment (I’m looking at you three ladies in the hair salon!), giving us a well-rounded view of 1930s America and all the intricacies.

The cast’s singing was just as strong, the solos making you lean forward, desperate to hear more, only for the choirs to throw you back in your seat with the power of their harmonies.

For the costuming and set design, I must give the stage crew major props. Every piece of the set was chosen with purpose and passion, and the whole stage was used to the absolute fullest potential possible. While this did mean you may miss minor details if you happened to have a tall person sitting in front of you, the overall experience and stage presence this brought more than makes up for it, and the fast pacing means the characters will be back in view for you in mere minutes.

For each scene transition, the stage crew knew exactly what to do and where to be at any given moment, a well-oiled machine that made every transition seamless.

 

Of course, there were some minor issues—singing being drowned out by the music, microphones cutting out on actors, and some lines being delivered to the back of the stage rather than us as the audience—but these are often to be expected for an opening performance.

Each issue was combatted instantly, and the performance grew smoother as the night went on. Nothing dulled the audience’s mood, with people bopping along and hollering out throughout the whole show, creating a positive environment for the audience and actors alike.

This meant that despite costume surprises, the actors remained in character throughout, swiftly using the issue as a character choice in-scene.

Bonnie and Clyde’s run is going to be short. Sadly, this show runs only for three nights this week, and you’ve already missed opening night. Be sure not to miss it and support a new and up-and-coming local theatre company: Stand and Deliver Inc.

Book your tickets quickly @ https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1217425

Showtimes:

Friday, 6th of September: 7:30-10 pm
Saturday, 7th of September: 7:30-10 pm

Location: Warners Bay Theatre

Music by Frank Wildhorn (Dracula: The Musical, Jekyll & Hyde), lyrics by Don Black (Dracula: The Musical, Billy), and book by Ivan Menchell (Death Note: The Musical).

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

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