“In 2004, Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bell wanted to enter the inaugural New York Music Theatre Festival (NYMF). The problem was, Jeff and Hunter didn’t have a musical. With the application deadline set, three weeks later they entered [title of show], named after the first line in the festival application form.
[title of show] takes a witty look at both the pleasures and perils of the artistic process, the art and business of creating an original show in a culture dominated by revivals and reality TV stars.
The plot follows Jeff, Hunter, Heidi and Susan as they negotiate a musical theatre obstacle course of finding backers, generating publicity, and finally making it to Broadway. As they make the journey from nobodies to somebodies, [title of show] is a witty, melodic and uproarious musical about making ones dreams come true.”
More of a musical sitcom than your standard musical fare, this show is sure to please your regular theatre-holics and your occasional visitors alike. Its hilarious, to the point where you may find yourself snorting with laughter. Director Aaron Joyner has assembled an extremely talented cast which includes David Spencer as Jeff, Michael Lindner as Hunter, Lara Thew as Heidi and Laura Fitzpatrick as Susan.
The talent surrounding this production is immense, in that everything that happens on stage seems so effortless, making the entire production almost feel voyeuristic in its approach. The fourth wall can’t be broken down here as there are no walls to speak of! With literally a skeleton of a set, with a keyboard and four chairs, this show does definitely a Broadway Musical make!
The cast weave in and out of the comedy, melodrama, songs and dialogue without batting an eyelid and make the hour and 40 minutes of the show simply fly by.
It’s impossible to choose a standout of the production as this is definitely an ensemble piece, with each member of the cast given their moment to shine. David Spencer as Jeff is the story’s voice of reason and the “sensible one” delivering much of the foundation for many of Michael Lindner as Hunter’s one liner punches. Lara Thew as Heidi seems physically too young to be auditioning for Ursula the Sea Witch in Little Mermaid and Donna in Mamma Mia, however emotionally is able to pull it off. Rounding out the cast is Laura Fitzpatrick as Susan, whose comic timing seems almost too real! All four cast are equally as strong vocally as each other which just proves again that our theatrites in Melbourne are a talented bunch.
With all its jibes at both successful and failed musicals, this show is a must for any “showmo” but the fun doesn’t stop there. Whatever you do make sure you go and see this gem of a piece whilst you can. The two week season seems so short, so it was pleasing to hear Mr Joyner speak of a potential tour and return season later in the year.
Who would have thought a musical about writing a musical would have so many layers and so much heart?
[title of show]
MAGNORMOS
Presents the Australasian Premiere of OBIE AWARD-WINNING
Music & lyrics by Jeff Bowen book by Hunter Bell
May 3 – 15, 2010
Theatre Works, St. Kilda
