Cannibal! The Musical - Review

Cannibal! The Musical - Review

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Posted 2016-12-02 by Nathaniel Masonfollow

Thu 01 Dec 2016 - Sun 04 Dec 2016

Dancing and singing their way to certain doom, Cannibal! The Musical haphazardly casts political correctness and limbs aside for a side-splitting jaunt of an unlucky few in a hilariously gruesome tale. In classic Trey Parker style, Briggs & Heaysman Theatre Co. have done a terrific job bringing the Australian amateur theatre premiere to an appreciative audience.

In the intimate space at Star Theatres , an eager opening night audience was rewarded with black comedic style, an animated mismatch of whimsical characters and a Pythonesque, noose swinging, man-eating recount of a horrific tale. Cannibal! The Musical is based on the true story of the only person convicted of cannibalism in America - Alferd Packer . The sole survivor of an ill-fated trip to the Colorado Territory in search of gold, Packer narrates the twists and turns of an unfortunate series of events to news reporter Polly Pry as he awaits his execution.



John Telford is appropriately aloof in his portrayal of the simple Alferd Packer. Telford brings the awkwardly endearing character to life in a role that weaves the story together, as narrator and lead role through dialogue and song. On stage for almost the full duration, transition between scenes, past and present tense and character persona is seamless for Telford with a clever combination or recorded audio, scenes and entrances. Kelsey McCormack shows gusto as reporter Polly Pry , balancing the duality of a career focussed reported who harbours a softer side. McCormack's delivery in song of "This Side of Me" and "Shpadoinkle" was an absolute highlight, echoed by thunderous applause.

Shannon Bell, Remy Low, Nicholas Miotti, Lindsay Nash and Jacob Cooke-Tilley make up the merry band of unusual suspects that accompany Packer on his journey. With their own story and well-developed characters, the blend provides humorous comic timing and gags that would be the envy of other certain animated characters in another South-Colorado-Park town. Special mention for Cooke-Tilley in an inexplicable tap number that was a clear crowd favourite. The pseudo-villains of the trapper's gang, Asha Perry and Hannah Garton are led by Carolina Fiovanti with her strong character delivery of the ruthless skin-em-with-my-bare-hands " Frenchy ".

Scripted stereotypes ahoy! Joseph Nicholls, Alex Manfredi and Matt Banning embody the clichés of a southern drawl, lawyer grease and a frequent tipple respectively, that the script undoubtedly intends. In comedic fashion, Charlie Ragas and Avril Kelly bring hilarious oriental flavour to the native Indians and Sonia Bestecki doesn't get a word in but prances beautifully with a curious equine chemistry.



Musical director Tim Naulty is spot on tinkling the ivories in accompanying the ironically cheerful songs and dodges a few blows of his own when the fourth wall falls down. On the small stage, a minimal set and lighting design cleverly adapts with quick changes and transition between scenes to set the mood.

With a heart as full as a baked potato, Briggs & Heaysman Theatre Co. have delivered a Shpadoinkle show.



Cannibal! The Musical will be performed at the Star Theatres (Theatre Two – The Chapel), 145 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Hilton, Adelaide, and runs for a strictly limited season of five shows…

Thursday the 1st of December 2016 at 7:30pm
Friday the 2nd of December 2016 at 7:30pm
Saturday the 3rd of December 2016 at 2:00pm
Saturday the 3rd of December 2016 at 7:30pm
Sunday the 4th of December 2016 at 2:00pm

Ticket prices are $25 for all performances. Tickets are available at either http://www.bhtheatreco.com/ or http://www.startheatres.com.au/

#comedy
#community_theatre
#hilton
#near_adelaide
#theatre
#theatre -reviews
#unusual_things_to_do
#december
!date 01/12/2016 -- 04/12/2016
%wnadelaide
218399 - 2023-06-16 07:43:37

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