Saturday Night Fever

Saturday Night Fever is the musical adaptation of the film starring John Travolta.  I respect Hailey for taking on a show that is not done, and that does not have things such a set to hire, so this was a not easy show choice

Choreography by Lyric Royce was well thought out and at times challenging, maybe too challenging for some.  Everyone could be seen for the most part as most of the groupings were in lines.

The band and vocals all arranged by Keith Willis were good.  Unfortunately, on the night I went there were issues with the sound meaning the balance between band and stage made it difficult at times to hear the vocals and dialogue.

James Knudsen played Tony Manero, the iconic role made famous by John Travola and Katie Kelson played dance partner and love interest Stephanie Mangano.  They had great chemistry and worked well as a pair.  James really tried to embody the role of Tony, he is a good dancer, and a lovely voice. There were times I felt he could have strutted more, it would have made more of the last conversation with Stephanie, which gives the reason for the strut.

Katy Jane Meehan played Annette the jilted partner.  I really enjoyed her solo towards the end of act 1.  Her wig on occasions did go over her face.

The four men Bobby (Ryan English), Gus (George Anderson), Double J (Michael Champness D’Abreu) and Joey (Ben Paddon) at times worked well as a group, I especially liked the first scene on the bridge there was a good chemistry between all the men.

Tony’s parents Frank and Flo Manero were played by Adam Beckman and Helen Fruin.  Both showed great characterisation and very typical of the period.  Phoebe Pitt played Linda Manero well.

Brooke Daltrey was great as Pauline, her song she sang in the diner was a standout moment, beautifully sung.

Haydn Boxall and Emily Scott-Dobie played Monty and Candy.  It was great to see Haydn using roller skates effectively and safely! Emily has a wonderful voice and presence on stage.  It is a shame that when she sang the opening of act 2, she could only be seen by some of the audience as she was on the balcony, I could not see anything performed on the balcony from where I was seated.

The rest of the cast played various part throughout the show, making it a true ensemble piece.

This is a show that goes to many different locations, so it is difficult to stage.  It made sense to have the bridge built at the back, the lights showing the backdrop of the city were stunning as well.  The set changes did mean that the pace of the show was slow.  Personally, I do not think as many blackouts were necessary, audiences know set changes are happening and if cast are making the set changes, blackouts are not needed. This was evident after the dream sequence where Tony ended it back in bed ready for the next scene, this was slick, quick and effective, but this was not the same for all the scene changes.  The inclusion of the dance floor was a good idea and right for the show, however it depended on where you sat as to whether you could see the dance floor or not.

I want to express again it was good to see a society taking a risk with a different show.  Thank to Mary-Jane for her hospitality on the night.

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