Brisbane review - Strictly Ballroom: a visual spectacle
By David Wilson
Strictly Ballroom
Created by Baz Luhrmann
Book by Baz Luhrmann and Craig Pearce
Adapted by Terry Johnson
Designer and Director Daniel Dosek
Choreographers Heather Barraclough and Hayley Iffland
Musical Director Peter Lavrencic
Brought to you by Beenleigh Theatre group
At the Crete Street Theatre until Saturday 7 December 2024
Adult tickets $35, concession $30
STRICTLY BALLROOM THE MUSICAL is the inspiring story of a championship ballroom dancer who defies all the rules to follow his heart. This uplifting and courageous tale originated as a stage play that Baz Luhrmann created as a student at the National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) in Sydney back in 1984.
Strictly Ballroom the musical features hit songs from the 1992 film including "Love is in the Air", "Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps" and "Time After Time", as well as new songs from internationally acclaimed artists and composers such as Sia, David Foster and Eddie Perfect.
The creative team at Beenleigh Theatre Group has captured all the warmth, charm and heart of this much loved, larger than life, irreverent and undeniably Australian story. The simple staging, dramatic costuming and high energy dance numbers combined to create a visual spectacle that captured the feeling perfectly. The confident direction of Daniel Dosek paired well with the musical talents of Peter Lavrencic and the dynamic choreography of Heather Barraclough and Hayley Iffland, delivering a very enjoyable production to an appreciative opening night audience.
James Bird was wonderful as Scott Hastings, the talented and charismatic, slightly arrogant and ambitious ballroom dancer who was torn between following the rules or following his heart. Bird delivered a nuanced performance, capturing the essence of this well-known character, dealing with the weight of expectation on the one hand, and blossoming individuality and first love on the other. Birds’s characterisation and athleticism were wonderful, and his solo dance number a showstopper.
Jade Plaistow was an absolute stand-out as Fran, the sympathetic heroine and true heart of the show. Plaistow’s ability to capture the character’s arc from timid to tenacious was spot on, with fantastic characterisation and physicality. Her vocal performance throughout was wonderful, particularly in “Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps”, and her on stage chemistry with Bird was fantastic. Their performance together of the iconic “Time After Time” was beautiful.
The two main leads were wonderful, with an excellent supporting cast and talented ensemble.
Bradley Chapman was captivating as Shirley Hastings, the bitter ex-champion and obsessively vicarious mother of Scott. Chapman did a marvellous job of providing depth to this challenging, conflicted role. Chapman’s performance was larger than life for sure, not drifting too far into caricature. Chapman’s handling of the contrasting relationships with husband Doug and dance teacher/former dance partner Les was very well done indeed.
Justin Harreman gave a quality performance as Les Kendall, the stereotypical dance studio owner and mentor to Scott. Harreman’s characterisation was excellent, and he did a great job exploring the character’s dignified, patient, colourful, obedient and well-meaning qualities.
Michael Ware was fantastic as Doug Hastings, father of Scott and long-suffering husband of Shirley. Ware’s brow-beaten, nervous, socially inept portrayal was on point, and his perfect comedic timing was obvious throughout. His performance of “You Should Have Danced With Me” was quite moving, and his ‘unusual’ solo dance was hilarious. A difficult character done very well indeed by Ware.
Adam Iffland was perfectly cast as Barry Fife, the autocratic, bombastic President of the Federation. He perfectly captured the self-serving, sleazy, narcissist in a brilliantly animated performance that was a real stand-out. Iffland’s stage presence was undeniable, and his comedic delivery was wonderful.
There were many other notable performances, in particular from Dance Captain Brent Jeffrey, who’s portrayal of the often-drunk Ken Railings stole more than one scene, Ruby Thompson who did justice to the famous Tina Sparkle role with a touch of Hollywood-style glamour, and Chris Hetherton who’s wonderful showmanship was evident as Master of Ceremonies JJ Silvers.
I encourage you to see Strictly Ballroom, a quality Australian musical done well by Beenleigh Theatre Group.
Tickets can be purchased now and start from $30. Season runs until 7 December 2024
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