Clinton the Musical

Clinton the Musical is the Australian Premiere of an Australian Musical about American politics. A polished and flashy production, it is being well received.

I have some reservations about this show. While no doubt entertaining, it seems an odd choice for our State Theatre Company. While it is wonderful to see fresh, new work - especially a musical, Clinton the Musical feels like a Fringe Show on steroids, and somehow feels wrong for this company in this venue.

The show looks great. Bruce McKinven’s very American, Capitol Building style set and his bright, era inspired costumes, provide a wonderful sense of time and space and lend a wonderful sense of nostalgia with spice. The lighting by Mark Howett is deliberately showy and gives a sense of pageantry. David Young’s musical direction is tight and the four-piece band works well. Songs are very well-performed, although only one song sticks in your head - the title of which is unpublishable.

It is well worth seeing Clinton if only to see the performance of Lisa Adam as Hilary Rodham Clinton. Like her character, Ms Adam dominates the room, demands attention, is smart, clever and an outstanding performer. While the title may refer to Bill Clinton, the show definitely belongs to Hilary - especially in such capable hands.

The remaining performances are also excellent. Simon Burke and Matt Dyktynski share the two sides of the 42nd President - WJ Clinton and Billy. They had lovely rapport and great teamwork. The remaining actors play multiple roles, including one ‘main’ role each. Wonderful energy from this hard working ensemble who juggled quick changes and flying characterisations with ease. Brendon Hanson was a flamboyant Kenneth Starr, Luke Hewitt an impressive Newt Gingrich, Clare Moore gave an odd gravitas to Eleanor Roosevelt while Megan Kozak brought depth to Monica Lewinsky. It was exciting to see four Black Swan debuts and strong musical theatre performances.

If I had seen this show at FringeWorld, I’d have probably been impressed by this fresh, if a little disjointed production. As performed by our premiere theatre company the show feels somewhat undercooked and underdeveloped - although in many ways this makes the performances even more interesting. Worth seeing, if you abandon your expectations of Black Swan, have a few drinks and just have fun.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Daniel James Grant.