Post by Talissa on May 16, 2005 10:48:21 GMT 11
I'm back from a weekend in Sydney, and have to run off to work in a minute, so let's see how coherently I can write all this. I also saw The Lion King yesterday, but I really don't think that needs anything said about it, so here's my review for Boyband.
It's great seeing something new on stage, and even more so when the show actually manages to smoothly achieve its purpose. Boyband definitely does so. It's a take-off of the boybands of the nineties, and the manufactured pop scene, and parodies these beautifully, without ever losing track of the storyline and flow of the piece. It runs without an interval, despite its fair length, but is so well put together, the audience won't be in want of one for a moment. There are no dull points for your mind to wander, or awkward scene progressions. These writers could teach something to some others I could think of.
The lyrics were delightfully cheesy, with music that sounded like what a boyband would churn out, but with added kick in places, just as a reminder how ridiculous that music actually is. And the songs were choreographed to get the most possible humour from the lyrics.
My main gripe is that there were points when the recorded sound was too loud, so that the audience couldn't actually hear what the radio programs and such were saying, but otherwise it was well done.
Richard Brancasitano played the prettyboy frontman perfectly, complete with 'ping' and vacant smile. His accent wasn't quite spot-on, but otherwise well done.
Nathan Carter was the sensible, troubled, older character with secrets, and did so credibly. He put a lot of subtle acting into the role, which worked in a venue of that size, and I particularly enjoyed watching his dislike of Celine D Lang when they sang at her concert.
Andrew Threlfall's role covered a fair bit of ground, and Andrew covered it well. The transformation from good Christian schoolboy to raving homosexual seemed smooth and natural, and he played the wide-eyed innocence beautifully.
Nicholas Beech was hilarious as Jordan. He 'embraced the nigger spirit' beautifully as he moved between polar opposites. A very energetic performer.
James Millar thrived in this opportunity to show off his acting in three roles. He nailed each one, from the suave, fast-talking Richard Face, to the 'lady in blue.' A job well done, holding the audience well.
Danielle Barnes did very well all round, and the role suited her perfectly, but the highlight was definitely her stint as Celine D Lang, which she did far too well. A good opportunity to show off her vocal talent and get a little contrast in.
Celeste Barber was another bundle of energy, and I loved her ear-piercing shrieks as the 15 year old fan. The show wouldn't have been complete without that. She did well, although at points her characters could have used a little more differentiation.
And while I'm here, what the SMH says: www.smh.com.au/news/Entertainment/Boyband/2005/05/13/1115843368430.html?oneclick=true
It's great seeing something new on stage, and even more so when the show actually manages to smoothly achieve its purpose. Boyband definitely does so. It's a take-off of the boybands of the nineties, and the manufactured pop scene, and parodies these beautifully, without ever losing track of the storyline and flow of the piece. It runs without an interval, despite its fair length, but is so well put together, the audience won't be in want of one for a moment. There are no dull points for your mind to wander, or awkward scene progressions. These writers could teach something to some others I could think of.
The lyrics were delightfully cheesy, with music that sounded like what a boyband would churn out, but with added kick in places, just as a reminder how ridiculous that music actually is. And the songs were choreographed to get the most possible humour from the lyrics.
My main gripe is that there were points when the recorded sound was too loud, so that the audience couldn't actually hear what the radio programs and such were saying, but otherwise it was well done.
Richard Brancasitano played the prettyboy frontman perfectly, complete with 'ping' and vacant smile. His accent wasn't quite spot-on, but otherwise well done.
Nathan Carter was the sensible, troubled, older character with secrets, and did so credibly. He put a lot of subtle acting into the role, which worked in a venue of that size, and I particularly enjoyed watching his dislike of Celine D Lang when they sang at her concert.
Andrew Threlfall's role covered a fair bit of ground, and Andrew covered it well. The transformation from good Christian schoolboy to raving homosexual seemed smooth and natural, and he played the wide-eyed innocence beautifully.
Nicholas Beech was hilarious as Jordan. He 'embraced the nigger spirit' beautifully as he moved between polar opposites. A very energetic performer.
James Millar thrived in this opportunity to show off his acting in three roles. He nailed each one, from the suave, fast-talking Richard Face, to the 'lady in blue.' A job well done, holding the audience well.
Danielle Barnes did very well all round, and the role suited her perfectly, but the highlight was definitely her stint as Celine D Lang, which she did far too well. A good opportunity to show off her vocal talent and get a little contrast in.
Celeste Barber was another bundle of energy, and I loved her ear-piercing shrieks as the 15 year old fan. The show wouldn't have been complete without that. She did well, although at points her characters could have used a little more differentiation.
And while I'm here, what the SMH says: www.smh.com.au/news/Entertainment/Boyband/2005/05/13/1115843368430.html?oneclick=true