Review: WONDERFUL TOWN BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO BROADWAY CLASSIC at Sydney Opera House
In a partnership that proved you can teach an old dog new tricks, Squabbalogic and Sydney Philarmonia Choirs paired choral force with vaudeville vibes to reinvent Leonard Bernstein's classic Wonderful Town. This tale of two sisters trying to make it in 1950s New York has contributed to the blue print for countless more stage and silver screen narratives, and for its time was progressive in its focus on independent women.
Sitting down to a minimalist stage seemingly empty of everyone but the jiving orchestra, director Jason Langley brings in the whole gamut of choir and cast alike, using the over 200-person choir to give a real sense of Greenwich Village's bustle and brass. Emerging from the crowd are Ruth (Virginia Gay) and her younger sister Eileen (Georgina Walker), fresh off the bus from Ohio who soon find themselves in a rundown apartment trying to make it as a writer and actress respectively. The more robust Ruth finds challenges left and right, whereas Eileen's good looks and charisma win her much favour, but not much work. Hilarity ensues in a flurry of costume changes, conga lines and a trip to the clink!
Virginia Gay truly does shine in the role of Ruth, keeping her comedy chops well calibrated in amongst Langley's slapstick (the train dynamic was spot on) and Bernstein's lyrics (100 Easy Ways to Lose a Man). Gay kept her character strong in both voice and physicality, allowing Ruth's story to feel inspired and organic as it developed. Georgina Walker's Eileen was similarly delivered with authenticity for all the innocent charm. Similar comedic commitment was displayed by Dean Vince as The Wreck, and Beth Daly doubling between local working girl and esteemed Mother in Law. Scott Irwin's versatility was secondary only to his beautiful vocal technique in the romantic lead of editor Bob Baker.
In a show chock-full with storylines, musical numbers, and bodies on stage at the Sydney Opera House, Jason Langley's direction was well-advised to keep things simple and clever to make for one highly entertaining piece of musical theatre done differently. Without spoiling anything, the energy levels carrying right to the atypical finish makes this a worthwhile night out with your girlfriends. Tickets available at the Sydney Opera House website.
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