Presented by George Glass
Reviewed 4 March 2017
From the writers of Abbott!! The Musical, we are taken on a humorous musical journey through the ins and outs of the infamous religion, Scientology.
After losing his path in life, lost and lonely George Glass (Lisa Harper Campbell) joins the Scientology religion in search of his brother. Through Glass’s religious induction process the audience is shown Scientology’s in-famous personality tests, the bizarre Sea Org, what a thetan is, and the Level 3 understanding of the apparent origins of our world.
Nothing is safe from the show’s satirical humour as the characters condemn everything from vegans and psychiatrists, to, quite literally, every other religion out there. Through the many musical numbers we also hear about how truly s**t our lives are without Scientology, the fact that you can merely sue your problems away (part of Scientology’s hostile reputation), as well as a spoken rap explaining how reasonable Scientology’s billion-year long contract really is.
A bit like Orwell’s Big Brother, there is a large portrait on-stage of Scientology’s founder, L. Ron Hubbard, who, whenever mentioned (it’s a musical about scientology, so… a lot), is dutifully saluted by the cast.
The cast not only have humour down pat, but are also very talented musicians and singers. As well as great vocal solos and talented guitar playing, there is even a wonderfully memorable saxophone number at one point. These actors are also serious musicians! A great visual addition is that the keyboard is humorously made to look like a space-ship with silver foil and multiple flashing lights (Google “Galactic Confederacy”). The songs are pleasantly pop and well written and you will find yourself bopping along to the catchy tunes and funky melodies.
Nic Conway is an absolute scene-stealer as Susan Munt, one of the two Life Improvement Centre “volunteers”. This involves heeled boots on which Conway totters around the stage, a short black bob and many varying kinds of hideous dresses. Before Conway even opens his mouth the audience is already in hysterics thanks to his dedication to the humorous visual aspects of Munt’s character. The nasal and somewhat masculine voice is utterly ridiculous but in the funniest possible way.
Dan Murnane is hilarious as the other Life Improvement Centre “volunteer”, Perry Coworker, with his ugly, oversized suits, purposely in-consistent limp and dedicated love to the odd-ball religion.
Unfortunately at some points the audience were straining their ears to hear the characters that didn’t have a microphone during the musical numbers. Also, despite the weather being comfortable outside, it was positively sweltering inside the theatre with an almost a suffocating warmth. Hopefully this issue is addressed by The Producers Hotel sooner than later.
Scientology: The Musical is not only a fun learning experience about the controversial, world-wide religion, but a humorous adventure and musical journey that is well worth seeing.
Reviewed by Georgina Smerd
Twitter: @Georgie_xox
Rating out of 5: 3.5
Venue: Warehouse at The Producers, 235 Grenfell St, Adelaide
Season: 5 – 19 March
Duration: 60 mins
Tickets: $10 – $25
Bookings: https://www.adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/scientology-the-musical
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