DISENCHANTED - The Musical - Review

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Posted 2018-09-07 by Jen ⇒ follow

Thu 06 Sep 2018 - Sat 08 Sep 2018

Disenchanted is pure entertainment from start to finish. To miss this show would be a crime! Thanks to Noosa-born artist turned entrepreneur Madison Thew-Keyworth , this hilarious musical is enjoying its Australian premiere right here in Melbourne. At the Athenaeum Theatre - 188 Collins St, Melbourne, for just three days (6-8 Sep 2018) there are just 3 shows left, over 2 days, before it closes.

Performing at 7.30pm each night, catch the show this Friday and Saturday (7-8 Sep) evening, or attend the extra 2pm show on Sat 8 Sep 2018. Doors open 30 mins prior to the performance and runs for approximately 100 mins with no interval. Get your TICKETS HERE . Please note, this show is not for children and recommended for audiences 15 plus.

In the wake of multiple sold-out seasons across the USA and around the world, the Aussies don't let the side down. The talented cast of six, carry 10 princess characters flawlessly between them, stamping each one with a very individual personality. These princesses are anything but Grimm, each one sporting amazing vocals distinct from each other. Singing numbers such as 'All I Wanna Do Is Eat', 'Without The Guy', 'Big Tits' and 'Secondary Princess', these royal renegades lay their disenchantment on the line about 'happily ever after'.

Snow White is a strong character and seemingly the leader of the pack. Cinderella is the ditzy one you can't help but fall in love with. She has moves and orientations that'll surprise you. Sleeping Beauty is just imperfectly perfect with a sleep disorder. I'd swear she could easily be Superman's Lois Lane, looking a lot like actress Amy Adams. Mulan figures she has to be lesbian as she's the only princess without a guy. Pocahontas has a gripe about distorting the truth. Princess Jasmine (Badroulbadour) has a social comment on misogyny. Ariel is a regretful hot mess to think her character gave up her whole world to follow a Prince after just one encounter. Rapunzel has a strong comment about the Americanisation of everything, and Belle just makes the unrealistic seem happily normal.

Stage, set, sound and lighting were in perfect measures. Having Musical Director Bradley McCaw and his band of music magicians on stage was a great move, as they gave a nod to the antics on stage with a contained laugh and a hidden smile, which made it all the more enjoyable to watch. All the while giving their all to the numbers performed on stage, perfectly.

Courtney Underhill as Cinderella was a standout for me. Ditzy, and with great comic presence without being a try-hard, she more than holds her own amongst a crew of very talented women. Ellie Nunan (as Snow White) from the get-go has a strong stage presence and matching vocals. She's hard to ignore. Tayla Johnston as Sleeping Beauty is very watchable and has an elegance about her, making her dance movements mesmerising. Jennifer Trijo who plays Mulan, Pocahontas and Princess Jasmine is no hit and miss with her exotic presence and those vocals that leave no doubt in your mind that she's not just a pretty face.

Demi Phillips as The Little Mermaid, Belle and Rapunzel. brings her own brand of comic that's hard to ignore. She's mentally disturbed in a straight jacket and crazily talented. Last but not least, Asabi Goodman enters late as The Princess Who Kissed the Frog. It makes a point about Disney's late development of finally featuring their first black princess. Asabi's vocals are melodic as she goes from singing like a white princess to a black one.

It is truly difficult to pick a favourite princess as they develop their own personalities that are equally endearing, talent oozing from every pore. Each cast member has great strength in performance and the 100 mins just fly by, leaving a delighted audience in its wake, with belly laughs throughout the show. It was a hit musical surprise for me, and one I'd recommend highly for a good laugh and a great night out of entertainment. Take a few friends; the more the merrier to giggle and laugh with. The only negative, it's not playing for nearly long enough! Book now , or forever hold your peace!