‘Talent, Tenacity, Teamwork!’ titles the program to the annual STARBOUND MUSICAL THEATRE production. In its 22nd year, those three words really do sum up the high standard and work ethic of everyone involved.
Founded by Jason and Georgina Parker, experienced teachers in the world of drama and all things associated with the stage, they run a tight ship and ask for no less than complete commitment for two weeks from each and every performer, but this well-known husband/wife team along with a myriad of mentors and creatives are also very welcoming, friendly and encouraging.
Every January their annual show ‘STARBOUND’ is a delightful, funny, energetic, thought provoking and outright entertaining mix of musical theatre songs perfected by the strong young cast of students aged 14 – 21 (this year there were over 100!). Each individual song performance could be dropped straight into the musical it came from no questions asked. These young people on stage are all out of the box and they are, without doubt, potential future stars!
Having had my own eldest just leave to live overseas and take up a professional performing contract, I know what these kids on stage are going through and what many are hoping for: to work as a professional performer. Anywhere, but in Australia especially, this is a tough ride, a tough ask and a tough goal to achieve. Participating in STARBOUND MUSICAL THEATRE gives every single person on stage that opportunity – to experience what its actually like to be in a professional show and have the support of a creative team to learn from. The best in the business join Jason and Georgina each year to offer helpful tips and guidance. Putting on the show is just part of this intensive course. Over long rehearsal days, friendships are made and belief is built.
They open spectacularly with TWENTY MILLION PEOPLE (‘My Favorite Year’), followed by OPENING NIGHT (‘The Producers’) and WHAT’S INSIDE/OPENING UP (‘Waitress’). Eagerly awaiting seeing ‘Waitress’ myself to come to Melbourne I absolutely enjoyed a little sneak-peak of the main character and all going on around her.
Following was my ‘pre-decided’ favourite number of the program I NEVER MET A WOLF WHO DIDN’T LOVE TO HOWL (‘Smash’). I watched the Smash series with my daughter after she received it on DVD as a gift years ago and we both squealed with excitement when we heard it was actually becoming a musical. Again, thank you Starbounders for showing off this new work – I have to remind myself that everyone on stage is under the age of 22. So much talent!!!
Lots more favourites continue on with pizzazz and enviable costuming. Who doesn’t love a chance to BEND AND SNAP (‘Legally Blonde’) or completely flip emotion and cry with ONE MORE DAY (‘Les Miserables’) bringing the house down prior to interval.
The fact they’ve done this in two weeks is unbelievable and something lots of the audience are talking about whilst perusing over the ‘Company 26’ names in the program waiting for the curtain to go up again.
An equally fantastic second act included colourful interpretations of ONE SHORT DAY (plus others from ‘Wicked’). Brilliant pink v. green lighting helped make these outstanding and in fact no props were needed in the show, the lighting guys throughout are to be commended.
We finish the two hour production on another of my all-time faves, CONFIDENT (‘&Juliet’ – happy to be hearing it again after my last review) and CAN’T STOP THE FEELING (‘&Juliet’) gives an entire cast party atmosphere with the audience and stairs full of smiles, claps and waves to their loved ones watching on proudly. The theatre is packed!!!
On a side note, I took my Mum to this show and I always ask what my accompanying guest likes best – she loved THE MARCH (‘Suffs’) and said it was extremely powerful! She had not seen or heard of it before but truly understood the message of equality sought and portrayed by the strong presence coming through a young female ensemble. To have given such presentiment deserves recognition. There are still parts of the world where standing strong for equal rights is more than relevant. I am sure the audience felt that final stance in the row of black dresses.
And here’s a few more side notes I’d like to applaud:
The Heathers group with CANDY STORE, I haven’t seen this show, but now I want to!
The jump splits line (Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders inspired?) and all the choreography – NAILED
The ‘Cry-Baby’ transition from THE ANTI-POLIO PICNIC to WATCH YOUR ASS – two completely different songs but seamless, exceptionally well done (also loved the costuming and jiving here)
The guy playing Fiyero in DANCING THROUGH LIFE, exactly!
The tiny little girl who belted out CONFIDENT as confident as Demi L herself
I could go on and on… CONGRATULATIONS EVERYONE!
If you have children or young adults you know interested in pursuing a career in Musical Theatre, STARBOUND MUSICAL THEATRE is definitely one to check out – see ‘how to audition’ on their website:
“The best two weeks of the year” would be in agreeance I imagine for hundreds of young people over more than two decades, and yes, some have even seen success not only securing roles in professional shows in Australia, but on Broadway too!
This annual show isn’t just for those families who know someone in it, its for anyone and everyone who love Musical Theatre so follow their Instagram @starboundmusicaltheatre
The Alexander Theatre is easy to get to, free parking on weekends, lovely to sit in comfy seats, a lift for anyone needing it and I think the only thing missing is the mandatory ‘choc top’ on the menu, will have to suggest that to them haha.
To book tickets to Starbound, please visit https://starboundmusicaltheatre.com.au/.
Photographer: Georgie Parker
