Extreme Youth Theatre Presents |
REVIEW Opening Night - Thursday 9 August 2001 As appearing in the Hornsby Advocate "Time Out" - ON STAGE Thursday 16 August 2001 Silent Movie musical better than Broadway By David Michel Extreme Youth Theatre premiered their first production, Jerry Herman's Mack and Mabel, at Asquith Boys High School last night and if first night's are any indication, they are on a winner. Musical Director Rose Parkin has accomplished what Broadway couldn't, a hit musical! From the overture, where the twelve piece orchestra punched out the melodious foot-tapping score, the production sailed through like a well oiled machine, with hardly a glitch, a rarity for first nights. A well groomed cast headed by Brian Rocks as Mack Sennett, founder of the Keystone Kops, did a sterling job with a storyline not easily portrayed on stage. Mabel Normand, star of the silent movie era, was convincingly played by Samantha Smalley. Clare Wood played Lottie in an effortless performance that demonstrates her agility with song and dance. Damian Michel, as Fatty, gave a superb performance showing remarkable stage presence and with a natural flair for comedy, a hallmark of the production. Other supporting cast members worthy of note were Mark Byrne as Frank Wyman, Christie Wykes as Ella and David Foster as Boris P Fox. Jason Cole as W D Taylor was believable and Steve Tutton was outstanding in his roles. Choreographer Steve Petrass again brought his magic touch to the dance numbers that displayed originality and zeal. A highlight of the show, and there were many, was the reintroduction of the highly animated musical and dance number "Hit 'em on the Head", which sadly, was omitted from the original Broadway production. The costumes were a hit depicting the period admirably and the scene with Mack's bathing beauties absolutely took my breath away. Extreme Youth Theatre has delivered a first rate musical production which clearly demonstrates that anything is possible in show business. Jerry Herman can rest easy that his beloved musical will continue to be a crowd pleaser as long as dedicated companies such as Extreme Youth Theatre are prepared to take the risk. Mack and Mabel continues over the next three weeks and will satisfy audiences who enjoy a musical production with fabulous music and dance and with copious doses of comedy, for good measure. |
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Cast members Jessica Latty, Christie Wykes, Damian Michel, Hanna Erceg and Fionna Ward from Extreme Youth Theatre's August 2001 production of Jerry Herman's MACK AND MABEL Photo courtesy Hornsby Advocate and Photographer Troy Snook |