A full sensory experience in this hilarious and heartfelt adaptation of the classic Aussie coming-of-age novel
Presented by: State Theatre Company South Australia and Brink Productions
Reviewed: 23 May, 2025
Looking for Alibrandi has been a classic piece of Australian literature since its release in 1992, and this theatrical adaptation by State Theatre Company South Australia and Brink Productions captures the voice and heart of Josephine Alibrandi beautifully.
Upon entering the theatre we are presented with a set comprised of stacks upon stacks of crates of tomatoes, and a kitchen bench. Over the course of the first scene we are introduced to the quintessential Italian-Australian family, complete with bilingual bickering as they work together to make passata live on stage. One of the most magical moments in the show is when the lid is lifted on the vat of sauce and the smell of cooking tomatoes wafts through the theatre, pulling the audience completely into the Alibrandi world.
The script, while it captures the heart and main themes of the book, is not a cookie cutter replica of the novel. Timelines are slightly different, as well as a few other events that have been adapted for stage. However, according to the program notes, this has the full endorsement of the author, Melina Marchetta, who states, ‘I never wished for the play you’ll be watching to be an exact replica…I want Alibrandi to breed and become its own entity though the talents and passion of other creatives.’
Chanella Machi as Josie is commanding in every way. She charges through every scene with the exact bull-in-a-china-shop energy that Josie Alibrandi requires, walking the fine line between girl and woman with finesse. She is incredibly expressive, often telling the audience so much with just one look.
Lucia Mastrantone plays both Josie’s mother Christina and Josie’s friend Sera. As Sera, written in the play as a conglomeration of the woggiest elements of Josie’s friend group, Mastrantone brings the house down on multiple occasions with her throwaway lines. In complete contrast, her portrayal of Christina is beautifully insecure, wearing the character’s trauma as tightly as the cardigan she hugs around herself.
Rounding out the Alibrandi family is Jennifer Vuletic as Nonna Katia. Vuletic is remarkable, demanding respect and often fear from the other members of the family. She brings strength and depth to the role, as well as a convincing accent and a stunning singing voice in act two.
As Michael Andretti, Josie’s absent father, Chris Asimos brings a balance of confidence and uncertainty as his character seeks to build a relationship with his teen daughter. Ashton Malcolm shows excellent contrast between the preppy bitch Poison Ivy and Josie’s friend John Barton. Malcolm manages to portray John with a sense of fragility under an ever present smile, and she also does well to present a masculine character in a way that is natural and believable without ever stepping into parody. Riley Warner is charming as Jacob Coote, beautifully showing Jacob’s larrikin side as well as the side that is equally enamoured by and frustrated with Josie.
Director Stephen Nicolazzo manages to find plenty of moments of humour within the script, from the hilarious ‘Italian spy network’ reporting to Nonna, to moments of stereotyped Italian life that are funny but also celebrate what makes Italian-Australian culture unique. However, Nicolazzo also finds the moments of poignancy where it matters, including the development of the relationship of the three Alibrandi women, and of course John Barton’s character development (no spoilers for anyone who managed to miss the book or the film).
Looking for Alibrandi is a stunning adaptation of a book that so many Australians hold dear. With humour, heart, and good cooking, this play is a must-see before it closes.
Reviewed by Kristin Stefanoff
Photo credit: Matt Byrne
Venue: Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre
Season: 23rd – 31st May 2025
Duration: 2hr 20min including interval
Tickets: from $81
Bookings: https://statetheatrecompany.com.au/shows/looking-for-alibrandi/
Following the Adelaide season, the production will travel to Parramatta, Gold Coast, Geelong, Hobart, Ballarat and Orange and then on a regional tour with Country Arts SA to Whyalla, Port Pirie, Mt Gambier and Renmark.
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