SNF ROAR Reviews: Jai

by Jai Jackson (ROAR Student)

Overall this is an amazing show because of all the hard work, sweat (which there was a lot of) and tears that went into it. Being the world community theatre premiere of this show, Redcliffe Musical Theatre blew the audience away and did this show great justice.

Firstly I want to complement the dancing in this show. It was the most fantastic dancing I’ve ever seen. The whole ensemble did an amazing job but my favourite dancers were Adam Goodall, Michelle ‘Rebel’ Murenec, Simon Chamberlain, Stuart Boardman, Brodie Jones, William Motunuu, Rana Sabben, John Chant, Jarrad Langtree, Thomas Antonio, Taylah Hopkins, Nikki Glowaki and just about everyone else. Now I know that’s a lot but they all stood out so much. I did see a couple dancers who didn't smile and there were a couple of dancers who would look at others to find out the dance moves , putting them a beat or two off.

All the acting in the show was amazing, from the emotions to the accents. Although, sometimes an Aussie accent would appear and there were times when someone would stand on stage for a long time and do nothing but stand. I loved how all fight scenes were realistic, so much so I thought they actually punched or tackled who they were fighting. I also heard there were some bruises, meaning the actors were really into it. Lyons played the Annette to the best point and portrayed being high very well.  I actually thought she was high at times. Murenec portrayed all of her emotion perfectly and Chamberlain played his cowardice character really well. Even though Simon is in actuality a very strong, confident man. Adam Goodall played the main man very well.  The family scenes were portrayed almost as if they were a real family, with an abusive dad, ambitious mother, pastor brother, dancing son, and quiet sister.

All singing was fantastic, from the harmonies to the high notes, to even the simplest of arrangements. Although a bit pitchy at times, the singing was mostly perfection. Morgan Eldridge and James Reid were especially amazing when they were together. They helped move the story along.  The band boosted the songs 110%. The set, production and effects were all so good. Everything ran smoothly and the sets design made it so much easier to make scene changes. The effects, at times, were a bit slow, but by the end were so impressive I jumped out of my seat to clap, cheer and dance through the finale. 

**Spoiler Alert**
This production was one of my favourites and the finale was so good. The ending with Tony, Adam and Simon, semi shirtless, singing ‘tragedy’ and then ‘you should be dancing’ got everyone on their feet and interacting. It was the perfect finale. The show does include adult themes but not as bad as one might think. Overall I give the show 4 out of 5 stars, because of all the amazing work and how the audience reacted to all the amazing songs and dances that there were. Thank you for reading and I hope you see the show.