Red, Red Riding Hood

Red, Red Riding Hood
By Kat Kiorgaard and Rosie Howell. Brisbane Arts Theatre. 30th June – 4th September, 2010

It’s always great to welcome a new youth musical, especially to this theatre where the year-round weekend matinees are a staple of the annual income and a fertile training ground for actors.
Kat Kiorgaard cleverly incorporated a familiar nursery tale – shows without a title familiar to parents tend to do poor business. The red hood has been handed down through the generations to a modern karate kid who, like her forebear, is taking something to her grandmother, in this case a cumbersome package.
Not only does she have to cope with a nasty wolf, but also with a mean fox, his accomplice. Simple storyline, tuneful songs with modern rhythms, and plenty of audience interaction − it worked well with the young theatregoers.
Director Kiel Gailer, musical director Stuart Crisp and choreographer Carrie Jaques move the action along smartly. At about ninety minutes with interval, it is a good length for children.
Rachael Moller, in the title role, has great stage presence and a pleasant singing voice.
Ben Forrest (the Wolf) and Meredith Crisp (the Fox) portray modern-day nasties, and Emma Semmens as the singing Woodsman (she never wanted that job!) provided light relief.
The minor players and ensemble of singer-dancers ably supported the leads.
I especially the liked opening song that explained to kids how they should behave at a show.
Jay McKee

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