Presented by Scotch College
Reviewed 5 Aug 2016
Not only does Scotch College raise the bar with their musical productions, but each year they just seem to lift it higher and higher. A lot of the excellence in quality is due to the regular production team of Director Adam Goodburn, Musical Director Antony Hubmayer and Choreographer Linda Williams. BUT, it is also due to the very high standard of performances by the students themselves; and this year is certainly no exception.
42nd Street is a salute to the big, bold, glitzy, delightfully cheesy and wonderfully ‘over-the-top’ Broadway musical extravaganzas. As such, it relies on a certain style and feel that is not all that familiar to our younger generation. However, the young cast involve pull it off exceptionally well, making one wonder if they may be ‘hoofers’ from way back reincarnated.
This reviewer has mentioned before that with each role he plays, Lachlan Williams tops his previous performances. As Broadway director, Julian Marsh, Williams is spot-on in his interpretation – hard-nosed but with the capacity to display a kind heart. Williams has a maturity and a great sense of comedy well beyond his years that should bode well for him in future ventures.
Not a lot can be said about Tayla Coad as sweet star-struck Peggy Sawyer, except that she is absolutely sensational! Coad is not so much a ‘star in the making’, more a shining star already who will only burn brighter with time.
Jordan Tomljenovic is ‘niceness’ personified and with his seemingly effortless dance ability, proves why he is ideal to play song-and-dance man Billy Lawlor. Katie Luscombe makes a marvellous Maggie; whilst Tayla Prime is capable of gracing the stage anytime as Anytime Annie; and Paris Anderson does well as “Star” Dorothy Brock.
Ned Baulderstone is fun as ‘sugar daddy’ Abner Dillon; and if Lewis Shilvock (Andy) isn’t snatched up in later life as a professional dancer, then there is no theatre God – this young man dazzles with his fancy footwork. Ben Francis does well as Pat Denning, but one can’t help but feel he is under-used in this production; particularly when one hears his beautiful tenor tones in I Know Now.
With 42nd Street, Scotch College have proven once again that school productions can be of a very high standard indeed. To paraphrase a famous line from the show – these students are going out on that stage youngsters, but are coming back STARS!!
Reviewed by Brian Godfrey
Twitter: @briangods
Venue: Scotch College
Season: 4 – 13 Aug 2016
Duration: 2hr 30mins
Tickets: Adult $30, Conc $15
Bookings: www.scotch.sa.edu/42ndstreet