Book by Baz Luhrmann
and Craig Pearce
Adapted by Terry
Johnson
Directed by Chris
Baldock
Music Direction by
Rhys Madigan
Canberra Philharmonic
Society
Erindale Theatre to
28 October
Reviewed by Len Power
12 October 2017
When a stage musical works, there is no other theatrical
experience that can match it. You can
experience that phenomenon simply by seeing Philo’s latest production of ‘Strictly
Ballroom’ at the Erindale Theatre.
Originally conceived as a short play by Baz Luhrmann, then a
student at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), ‘Strictly Ballroom’
became a highly successful musical film. A professional stage version of the film, also
directed by Luhrmann, opened in Sydney in 2014. Canberra Philharmonic Society is the first non-professional
Australian company to present the musical.
The director, Chris Baldock, wisely keeps the heightened
reality of the film and ensures that this fairy tale of a ballroom dancer who
rebels by wanting to do his own steps in a competition meets audience
expectations. Then he takes it to
another level with a complex production that’s breath-taking in its theatrical
surprises, making this one of the most memorable productions Canberra has seen
in a long time.
The show has a huge cast, all of whom give fine
performances, vocally and dramatically. In the leading role of the
dancer, Scott Hastings, Joel Hutchings gives a heroic performance, displaying strong
singing, dancing and acting skills. He
is matched every step of the way with a delightfully feisty performance by
Ylaria Rogers as Fran, the initially uninspiring dancer who shows she is a
perfect match for him on the dance floor and beyond.
Amongst the sixteen major roles there are standout
performances by Tracy Noble, Ian Croker, Kirrily Cornwell, Pat Gallagher, Paul
Sweeney and Berin Denham. Tomás Dietz
stopped the show with his paso doble dance and the very young couple, Isabella
Fraser and Jake Keen, danced and sang charmingly and brought the house down with
their expert handling of a costume problem during their dance.
Musical direction by Rhys Madigan is excellent and the
orchestra played the different musical styles very well. Ian Croker’s set looks good and flows nicely
from scene to scene. Lighting design by
Phil Goodwin is imaginative and well-executed.
Anna Senior provides spectacular and colourful ballroom
costumes and Emma Nikolic and Karen Brock deserve the highest praise for their
choreography which everyone in the company performs with confidence and polish.
This show was so good that it almost seems like it was just
a dream I had. Good musical theatre can
do that to you. Don’t miss this one!
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7’s new ‘On Stage’ program on Mondays from
3.30pm and on ‘Artcetera’ from 9.00am on Saturdays.
