SHOUT! The Legend of The Wild One

SHOUT! The Legend of The Wild One
By John-Michael Howson, David Mitchell and Melvyn Morrow. MLOC. Shirley Burke Theatre, Parkdale. 13 October to 21 October 2017

MLOC’s production of Shout! is a classic example of Community Theatre being alive and well in the suburbs of Melbourne.

Director Rhylee Nowell has pulled together a group of musical theatre devotees and produced a show that has the audience singing along. 

Matt Jakowenko took on the herculean task of portraying The Wild One, Johnny O’Keefe. Working his way through over 20 classics such as “She Wears my Ring”, “She’s so Tough” and “Move, Baby Move” kept Matt onstage through the show, working up to a rousing finale of “Shout!” His classical training was particularly noticable with his clear diction.

His long suffering wife Marianne was played by Claire de Freitas, who has a beautiful singing voice and maintained her German accent throughout. Her performance of “Crazy” was particularly touching and she moved well.

The role of Lee Gordon, the larger than life American manager, was played by Graeme Bullus who brought a commanding physical presence to the role. Lee’s influence on O’Keefe would help lead to Johnny’s biggest successes, but ultimately his downfall and death in 1978 from a drug overdose.

One of the highlights of the night was the “Get a Job”, the first song by the Delltones, played by Zac Rose, Sam Neve, Tim Semmens and Rad Valance. While their physical co-ordination was less than perfect their vocals were a delight.

The acting honours go to Tim Byron and Karen Shnider as O’Keefe’s parents. They played off each other beautifully and their timing was great. They seemed the most comfortable on stage in their roles as typical parents of the 50’s and 60’s dealing with a rebel son who chose not to go into the family furniture business.

Costume Coordinator Tim Ryan pulled together a pleasing visual snapshot of both the 50’s and 60’s fashions. Wearing his other hat of Musical Direction, he produced a well-rehearsed band and solid vocals.

Opening night nerves seemed to be in play technically with some timing issues and strange cues; hopefully this should be sorted with a few performances under their belt.  Sound was generally good and not over-amplified in the small Shirley Burke Theatre, but there were times when the backing vocals and band overshadowed the lead vocals in the mix.

The lighting was a concern with the majority of the show well under lit and an excessive use of gobo breakups in almost every scene.

MLOC should be applauded for producing an Australian show and giving the opportunity for the community to become involved either as cast, crew or audience.

Shirley Jensen

Subscribe to our E-Newsletter, buy our latest print edition or find a Performing Arts book at Book Nook.