13

Brand new theatre company The Colourblind Theatre Company has exploded onto the Perth theatre scene with a vibrant, colourful, and enthusiastic production of the musical 13. An excellent first production, 13 features a large cast of young performers, and showcases some up-and-coming talent.

Colourblind Theatre Company has many aims, including growing multicultural representation in Australian theatre, and their cast shows a clear diversity in race - something that many other companies are trying to achieve with less success. Interestingly though, despite a commitment to diversity, this production skipped a couple of moments in this musical, notably some of the references to Jewish culture.

Simply staged, the show featured well-chosen and effective scenic projections by Shaun Bermas, bright age-appropriate costumes (presumably chosen by this young cast) and effective lighting and sound from James Halifax. Strong singing throughout, under the supervision of Musical Director Andre David, is accompanied by a very strong four-piece band.

Central character, Evan Goldman, is played by Lewis Coleman, in what I believe is a community theatre debut. An excellent performance, in which this young man tackles some huge emotions and sings superbly. He is well-matched by Hallelujah Selepe, another newcomer, who shapes Patrice with style and provides awesome vocals. The third in the trio of unlikely heroes, is Ethan David as Archie, with lovely facial expression and solid vocals.

Big man on campus Brett is played with panache by Beau van der Beeke, with the object of his affections, the sweet but vague Kendra, played very nicely by his sister Chloe van der Beeke - in what must have been a challenge for both performers. Charis Rellegue plays the third part of a complex love triangle, bringing sass and personality to “mean girl” Lucy.

Strong support throughout from those in smaller roles and the busy chorus. Choreography, from Tayah Crothers, who also took to the stage, due to injuries in the cast, is fresh and well-executed. A young crew and a dynamic front of house team, many of them also young, add to the vibrancy of the production. While transitions aren’t always as slick as they should be, and there are a few things not quite played by the book, this was a very strong showing for a new company.

Great to see a new company take flight, and we hope to see more of this cast and production team in the near future.

Kimberley Shaw