Hook Up

There are some unfathomables in the Universe….

How do clouds know how to make themselves into balloon animals?

How many stars are there altogether in the firmament (and can I have one?)?

How can two 23 year olds – Nick Hedger and Ben Nicholson – be so insanely talented in Musical Theatre?

Their new offering, Hook Up, is part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival and, although it is still in cabaret form (I suspect they are struggling with the book), it is full of marvellous music and great lyrics worthy of any musical stage. The show is the winner of the Short and Sweet Cabaret Festival Fringe Development Award of 2013.

Hedger and Nicholson have written two musicals together but this is their first production. It’s raw, as you would expect, but it is also, paradoxically, quite deep and sophisticated. Though settling on “snapshots” of Gen Y relationships (many of which are Gen “Why?”) there are mature and even universal themes at work …commitment, monogamy, open relationships, sexual boredom,  the right to choose your lifestyle and not live someone else’s expectations. It’s broad…but also deep.

The cast is nothing short of terrific. The fabulous Backward Anorak (if you don’t know their comedy work, you really do need to check it out) in the form of Michelle Brasier and Vincent Milesi, form half of the cast and Michelle also contributed to the script and lyrics. It’s not surprising that they are multi award winners already. They are both excellent in all respects with a slightly nerdy element that works perfectly for the comedy, and terrific voices. The very lovely and talented Laura Johnston plays a variety of roles, from brittle to vulnerable, and impresses in all of them. Josh Ellwood…soon to be seen in Carrie… has a voice to die for and an endearing stage presence. I have seen him onstage before and he never fails to impress.

Then there’s Hedger himself…not just a kickass keyboard player and arranger, but with a great voice, terrific acting chops and all the confidence and charisma anyone could wish for. One wonders if there is anything he cannot do (admittedly I haven’t seen him dance yet). Quietly hiding in the wings is member number 6 (or number 1, depending on your POV) of this terrific team. Ben Nicholson must rue the fact that he looks about 17, but don’t let that fool you. He’s wise beyond his years with insight into the human psyche, which prevents Hook Up from being a mere shallow cabaret with some great tunes. There’s depth in his script and his direction, even when the show is at it’s funniest, and it IS very, very funny. He and Hedger share an amazing talent.

Three of the six went to WAAPA together…Laura, Ben and Nick; and the other three were at BAPA. I mention this only to show the depth of talent in our Performing Arts Academies. Add one more of the WAAPA alumni – Vicki Helibronn – as stage and production manager, and you begin to see why this production is so formidable.

Hedger and Nicholson compose together…both music and lyrics …and perhaps that’s why the music gels so well. If I had to guess I would say that Ben is the more introspective and poignant and Nick the dazzling and sometimes biting wit, but it really doesn’t matter. The songs range from the clever play on words in “Cunning Linguists”, to the hilarious Vince Milesi offering “Swooning When I’m Crooning” – the bittersweet “Text Book Perfect” about a girl who plans her whole life around everyone else’s idea of perfect; and Josh Elwood’s wonderful rendition of “I Choose You” – a poignant yet hilarious gay misfit love song. Every number is a delight and 70 minutes passes far too quickly.

There is so much on offer at the Melbourne Fringe Festival. Don’t let this one slip by. It’s my honest belief that you will be seeing the future of Musical Theatre in the making. These guys are simply awesome.

Coral Drouyn