Sideshow Alley

[jackjackjack]

Warning: Spoilers Ahead
Warning: Honest appraisal ahead.

Sideshow Alley is a good show. That shouldn't be too much of a surprise. It has been awarded and praised before. This production had universally solid performances. So much so that its almost impossible to mention any separately. I will though say that Silvie Paladino has earned my respect after previously only being "that person who did Mamma Mia", which I never saw. Also, kudos to Darren Natale as Lady. If he had a chance to round out the role I'd say it would have been a standout performance by the end of the Melbourne run. But it's not to be.

The story itself got me suitably involved. I had two funny feelings about this show. The first was one that I had all along; that it was going to be depressing. I was just starting to doubt feeling #1 when feeling #2 sprung up on me, that they were going to spring a gay relationship out of nowhere. As it turns out both were right. You may ask, how can it be out of nowhere if I saw it coming. Its because I saw it coming. I didn't feel it coming.

Now back to feeling #1. We're not a depressing country are we? Why then are all home grown musicals so depressing. Give me a happy show for christ's sake.

Now a few more disjointed comments:

*The setting for this show made for an unfortantely drab set that belied the mood. Pity.

*There were a bunch of moments of uncomfortable silence. Sometimes even when something was going on on stage.

*A novel if necessary way of getting around having a live snake on stage.

I hope that more people go to see it. 100 people in a theatre that size was really depressing.

James

[accentuate]

I for one love a great drama. I am completely sick of "funny musicals". And in alot of ways, we are a "depressing" country. as well as a lucky one

I cant think of anything worse than more 'comedy' in the form of aussie larikinism on stage in a musical. make me cry and make me cry properly.

i say keep going with the drama.

but i liked your review Jackjackjack

[jackjackjack]

I'd like to draw a line of distinction between 'drama' and depressing stories. Drama can be uplifting, thoughtful, tragic and so many other things without being depressing.

James

[Talissa]

It's interesting that you make that distinction when the finale of the show is one of the most genuinely uplifting I've seen in any similar style of musical. For a moment I honestly almost managed to forget what had just happened and be swept away by the music and positive emotion. Certainly neither Eureka or Les Mis quite managed that.

I must say that the music in this show is probably the strongest I've seen in an Australian musical. The songs feel so natural, not manufactured like the majority of Australian material (I'm not limiting that statement to musical theatre, mind), and more importantly, they're strong enough to be remembered. There are one or two songs that I suspected might be tedious if not performed by such brilliant voices, but in general the songs were strong, and some individual moments were utterly divine. One favourite was one of the "Come and Take a Chance" reprises, where the last line was sung solo by Cleo and the effect was chilling.

I will say, though, that I will never fail to be slightly unsettled when a song is cut or replaced but the reprises remain. Although I suppose this is only really noticeable when you know what has been done. I admit I didn't have a particular attachment to Unexpected Song, however, and what remained was just about right, even if it was odd.

One of the brilliant things about that sort of setting is the opportunities with sets and costuming, which Sideshow Alley used. I'm not talking grandeur, but rather simplicity, while still creating the perfect effect. Sets of only a few pieces maneuvered by the cast and looking as though they'd been taken right from the road. And only about two costumes for most characters, usually layered, and if an underlayer was glimpsed, that was perfectly natural, as the overlayers were often dressing gowns or coats over their performance costumes. All to be expected.

Silvie Paladino utterly astounded me in this. I've always admired her, but she really outdid herself, shining with her glorious voice and acting the character beatifully. Alex Rathgeber also did well in a role that was definitely better suited to him than Lancelot was, and he really seems to have been working hard to improve since then because he was very consistent and strong. And as already said, Darren Natale's performance as Lady Chiang was stunning. The somber dignity to him was almost tangible and his presence was chilling. Kudos also to Taneel van Zyl, who was on as Cleo, and who looked as though she'd been intended for the role.

Overall it was a stunning show. Not perfect, but what is, and the work needed on it is extremely minimal. Only a couple of scenes seemed uncomfortable - "It's Time!" for example felt static and awkward, but I'm not sure where to allot the blame there - and the messages rang clear. Hopefully this isn't the end because I want to see it continue to grow if it's allowed.

[ronniefairy]

I've finally made it back here.

Not a proper review, but some random thoughts.

Not a happy musical, but that's probably half of the reason I enjoyed it so much. Also the period in which it was set and the culture it was set in didn't lend itself to a happy story.

There were moments when there was too much stillness and I wanted to scream out "move!" not just because fo the stillness, but because it felt like the characters wanted to move.

Sure, like any show there were things that could be improved, but overall it was great show.