The Late Late at Night: The Rick Springfield Story promises a show with heart and nostalgia as the audience is taken down memory lane with the Australian-American icon: and it delivered.
Jackson Carroll’s flawless depiction as Richard Springthorpe, otherwise known as Rick Springfield, was a perfect balance of learning about the struggling musician’s life and performance of his classic hits. Although Springfield navigates heavy topics, including mental health issues and personal losses, Carroll showcased these struggles in a sensitive and somewhat endearing manner. The show acts as a reminder that the glorified icon who graced our radios with the rock and pop anthems Jessie’s Girl and State of the Heart is also a man trying to find his way.
The excitement of the audience was tangible as soon as the music commenced. Carroll immediately hooked in the audience with his emotive voice, alternating between the piano and guitars, helping viewers construct Springfield’s elusive world. The minimalist stage set-up, decorated with key pieces possessing significant meaning to Springfield, emphasised his isolated journey of discovering who he is; and what truly brought him joy. The use of lighting and audio recordings to construct the world of Springfield effectively reflected his declining mental health, as well as core events that led him down the path of self-destruction and self discovery.
The enthusiasm and energy Carroll maintained throughout the one-man show is highly commended, which was met with a standing ovation. The skill in carrying a show from beginning to end, jumping between monologues, different characters and the music of Springfield is remarkable. As he acted and sang, jumping between timelines and showcasing the origin of Springfield’s beloved songs, Carroll made it look effortless. One of the highlights of his distinguished performance was the seamless shift between all stages of Springfield’s life. We watched Rick Springfield address the audience like old friends before diving into his experiences as a boy, to a teen trying to make his dream a reality, a man that falls a part when fame does not give him everything he thought it would; to an icon that realises the true meaning of happiness.
Fans of Rick Springfield, old and new, will not be disappointed when they embark on this journey to learn about the man behind the music. The Late Late at Night: The Rick Springfield Story offers fans a chance to learn his story, but will also find themselves reflecting on the true meaning of happiness as they watch Springfield muster his courage to right his wrongs and find his purpose. Witnessing the story of the icon battle and overcome his lifelong struggles offers a gentle reminder that even those we idolise are indeed human, and just like them, we too can overcome our darkest days.
To book tickets to Late Late At Night: The Rick Springfield Story, please visit https://kierancarroll.com/rick-springfields-late-late-at-night/.
