09-11-2012, 01:06 PM
Drop everything!
If in Melbourne you cannot miss this superb production with an ALL Australian cast. It makes you feel very proud and the Aussies are as good as Broadway!
When I first saw the show with my parents it starred imports Jack Collins and an incredibly sexy Jack Gardiner as hero. These were the days when JCW imported artists from America who were mostly competent performers but not the big stars JCW made them out to be. Australia was not quite ready for the show and I recall vividly my parents thinking it was disgusting and vulgar.
Times thankfully have changed.
This production directed brilliantly by Simon Philips is headed by Geoffrey Rush. While he might not vocally match Zero Mostel or Nathan Lane he brings something special to the main role. His years of study at Lecoq make him a master of physical comedy. Itâs a tour de force. Rush chews up the role and its hilarious. He makes the role his own.
The cast are great but the standouts are Mitchell Butel who almost steals the show at times, Adam Murphy (wow) and my favorite was Hugh Sheridan as Hero. Hero can be a pretty wet role but this guy is not just impressive eye candy, he has a great voice and a superb handle on comedy. He is nicely matched by Christie Whelan.
Its impossible to keep your eyes off the gorgeous Mr Sheridan (sorry Christie).
Pleasant surprise is Magda Szubanski. While I love her on television and applaud her as a woman for her courage I have never liked her on stage. Under Philips he cleverly adapts the role to suit her and she does it well.
Shane Bourne plays, well Shane Bourne and gets away with it.
I loved the audience giving the veteran Bob Hornery the love and applause he deserves.
Its also a great program well worth buying.
A wonderful production.
If you love A funny Thing it will be hard to find a better production.
If in Melbourne you cannot miss this superb production with an ALL Australian cast. It makes you feel very proud and the Aussies are as good as Broadway!
When I first saw the show with my parents it starred imports Jack Collins and an incredibly sexy Jack Gardiner as hero. These were the days when JCW imported artists from America who were mostly competent performers but not the big stars JCW made them out to be. Australia was not quite ready for the show and I recall vividly my parents thinking it was disgusting and vulgar.
Times thankfully have changed.
This production directed brilliantly by Simon Philips is headed by Geoffrey Rush. While he might not vocally match Zero Mostel or Nathan Lane he brings something special to the main role. His years of study at Lecoq make him a master of physical comedy. Itâs a tour de force. Rush chews up the role and its hilarious. He makes the role his own.
The cast are great but the standouts are Mitchell Butel who almost steals the show at times, Adam Murphy (wow) and my favorite was Hugh Sheridan as Hero. Hero can be a pretty wet role but this guy is not just impressive eye candy, he has a great voice and a superb handle on comedy. He is nicely matched by Christie Whelan.
Its impossible to keep your eyes off the gorgeous Mr Sheridan (sorry Christie).
Pleasant surprise is Magda Szubanski. While I love her on television and applaud her as a woman for her courage I have never liked her on stage. Under Philips he cleverly adapts the role to suit her and she does it well.
Shane Bourne plays, well Shane Bourne and gets away with it.
I loved the audience giving the veteran Bob Hornery the love and applause he deserves.
Its also a great program well worth buying.
A wonderful production.
If you love A funny Thing it will be hard to find a better production.