It doesn’t matter how you arrive at 50 Shades! The Musical Parody, it’s a terrific show. A fan of the books? It’s a terrific show. Loathe the books? It’s a terrific show. Don’t care about the books, but a fan of musical theatre? It’s a – well, you get the idea.
Speaking as someone barely across the premise of the books, let alone the subsequent movie series, this was fantastic to watch. A lean show performed by an excellent cast, the show doesn’t overstay its welcome with a physical, hilarious, condensed retelling of E. L. James’ books.
Dan Ham, Elise Muley, and Ossie McLean were a fun and flirty ensemble, with Bianca Bruce, Hannah Kee, and Belinda Jenkin great in their respective roles as Pam, Bev, and Carol. It’s PBC’s at-first-innocent-increasingly-salacious book club that frames the show and they’re a delight to watch.
Luke Wilson is amusing in his turn as Ana’s shadow of a suitor, Jose, but of course it’s Christian she gives heart (and where-ever else he cares to spank) to. James Elmer’s heightened stoicism in his performance as Christian was hysterical. Kala Gare was extraordinary in her role as Ana, grabbing the audience’s attention, turning the comedy dial up to 11, and not letting go. All this and songs too!
Take the melodramatic comedy of Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace, the closer-to-home Danger 5, crank it up a notch and you’re close to the brilliance of this show. Funny and saucy, it may not make you go out and find a copy of the books but putting the soundtrack on your Spotify playlist as you’re leaving the theatre is almost a guarantee.
Hold your safe words tight and step into The Alex Theatre for a night out that will entertain and gratify!
50 Shades! The Musical Parody
The Alex Theatre, 1 / 135 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Performance: Friday 22 March 2019 – 7.30pm
Season continues to 7 April 2019
Bookings: www.alextheatrestk.com.au
For more information, visit: www.50shadesmusicalparody.com.au for details.
Image: 50 Shades! The Musical Parody (supplied)
Review: David Collins