Bonnie and Clyde

There has been a plethora of “flop” musicals in Melbourne over the past few months. But “Flop” doesn’t automatically mean bad – as the wonderful Parade showed us. Add to the ‘pleasant surprise’ list Bonnie and Clyde, a musical I knew nothing about until this week. It has a good score, intelligent lyrics, a pretty impressive book, and you know when FabNobs do something, it’s going to be an enjoyable production.

The narrative is a straightforward telling of the infamous outlaw couple’s story….with the addition of a “young” Clyde and a “teenage” Bonnie – foretelling their ambitions for life. Hamish Anderson seems very young to be directing a complex show, yet that isn’t reflected in his work. The entire production is handled deftly, blocking is perfect, and the performances are excellent. It’s a very mature and impressive directing debut. The set itself, by Shawn Klueh (who is also responsible for the excellent sound) is a star in its own right, with seamless wooden walls that interlock and separate to reveal different playing areas. Original and innovative, it makes the small stage of the factory theatre seem far bigger than it is. It’s far more imaginative than the sets of a few professional productions I have seen recently. Complemented by Vanessa Burke’s excellent lighting design, and Colin Morley’s impressive costumes, the show is a visual treat. The opening scene is quite mindboggling in the confined space; but I won’t spoil it for you …go and see for yourself.

Anderson has assembled a terrific cast and his leads are quite exceptional. Julian Campobasso (Clyde) has all the swag and smoulder needed for the incorrigible outlaw, yet balances it with real depth in his love for Bonnie. He has the brooding presence of a young Brando and is perfect in this role. Add to this a great voice which blends well with Kate Warner’s (Bonnie), and impresses in solos like “Raise a Little Hell” and “Bonnie”. Small wonder that he’s winning awards and receiving nominations at every outing. Warner herself oozes stage presence and is delightful in “How ‘Bout a Dance?” She brings an earnest appeal to the character who wants to be a “ravishing redhead” Movie Star, yet is guileless and helpless against Clyde’s charms. Kat Elliott is fabulous as Blanche, Clyde’s sister-in-law. Her duet with Bonnie (You Love Who You Love) and her solo “That’s What You Call A Dream” showcase her great voice and her ability to really work a show tune. Johnathon White, whom I have been delighted by in other shows, completes the two couples as Clyde’s brother “Buck” – long and lean, with a great voice, he has great comic timing and an endearing stage presence.

Though these four carry the bulk of the show, the very presence of Nathan Slevin (Ted) adds to the overall excellence and it’s always a treat to hear that beautiful lyrical voice. Verity Rose Brown is always a powerful presence and impresses in a couple of cameo roles. The rest of the cast are all impressive. With 18 people crowded on the small stage you never notice the lack of space until the final curtain call…when it’s hard for the full line to stretch across the stage.

And it’s a pity we don’t get to see Vicki Quinn and the terrific band. Without a good band and a great musical director, any musical would suffer. Fortunately the music at FabNobs is always in great hands.

FabNobs deserves to have the house full signs up for this one, and it’s always a delight for me to spend an evening in their company. This truly is a company in which every member gives 110%.

Coral Drouyn

Photographer: Kerryn Hoernel