Devised by Peter J
Adams
Directed by Jason
Langley
Musical Director:
Michael Tyack
A Christine Dunstan
Production
The Playhouse,
Canberra Theatre Centre to 22 May
Reviewed by Len Power
21 May 2018
The show, ‘Bosom Buddies’, is subtitled ‘Two theatrical
legends, one remarkable story’. This
show itself is destined to become legendary.
The recipient of three Lifetime Achievement Awards, three
Helpmann Awards and many others, Nancye Hayes is an actor, dancer, singer,
choreographer and director who began her career in My Fair Lady in 1961 and
established her name in the title role in Sweet Charity in 1967. Since then she has appeared in countless
shows and even has a theatre named after her – the Hayes Theatre in Sydney.
Critically acclaimed and award-winning singer, dancer, actor
and all-round entertainer Todd McKenney stopped the show ‘42nd Street’ in 1989
with his singing and dancing of ‘We’re In the Money’. He was the controversial judge on the Channel
7 hit series ‘Dancing with the Stars’ for many years and was a superb Peter
Allen in the original Australian production of ‘The Boy From Oz’ for nearly
1000 performances over two years. He has
been centre stage in Australia for more than 35 years.
‘Bosom Buddies’ isn’t a collection of star reminiscences
that we’ve all heard before. The two
stars delve deep into their past and give us the lows as well as the
highs. Even if you’ve followed their
careers closely over the years, most of what you’ll hear in this show is new.
Their video presentation of photos from their past, as well
as archival film from some of the shows they’re starred in, is quite
enlightening and their comments about themselves and each other is at times
very funny. Both performers have the skill
of making it all sound casual and off-the-cuff – something that is not easy to do
successfully.
The highlights of the show are moments from past iconic
performances. Nancye Hayes gives us a
stirring ‘Broadway Baby’ and ‘Cabaret’ and Todd McKenney is very moving in his
performance of ‘Tenterfield Saddler’ from ‘The Boy From Oz’. Watching these two friends and colleagues
dancing so skilfully together is a delight.
The attractive and well-thought out production has been
nicely directed by Jason Langley and there is fine musical direction by Michael
Tyack and excellent lighting by Trudy Dalgleish.
This is a night in the theatre as memorable as any of the shows
that these two Australian icons have appeared in over the years.
