Trial by Jukebox

The timeframe 1875 – 2018 has seen many presentations of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta “Trial by Jury”performed around the world. The Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Tasmania has presented it some 20 times since 1974. Usually they put a bit of a new spin on it, however, director Anne Blythe-Cooper said that never has the music been changed like it has for this production. The latest offering of the funny classic is Trial by Jukebox, in which the standard format has been “re-imagined” as a rock piece, adding freshness and some rocky re-workings of the original score.

The varied cast, mostly newcomers, with some old-hands, gave the director a lot to work with, creating a fresh and sassy look. Rather than the traditional score played on piano, Matt Harris re-imagined and made some changes.  “All hail great Judge”, formerly sonorous and anthemic, received a gospel treatment and a became a fun, bouncy number with step-click time, performed delightfully by the chorus, court room cast and the gorgeous bridesmaids, hotpants-wearing hoofers, Amanda and Veronicka Devlin. The sisters are dancers, and debuted onstage (in court) as what looks like triple-threats.

The director chose a 60’s/70’s style of costume rather than traditional Victorian garb. The Judge, experienced performer Mark Morgan, satirised all Elvis impersonators everywhere, in a satisfying performance, show-casing his comic timing.

Sam Dean, as bad boy Eddie, played the defendant with a sulky lip-curl and sexy hip-swivel, having fun in the role. Teenage newcomer Thomas Di Pretora is a find, playing the Usher with confidence and skill. Sanya Jones (Angie, the plaintiff), with her sweet voice and engaging stage presence, will benefit from a lapel mike and a little more experience. The courtroom’s fixtures and varied levels provide an effective set. Director Anne Blythe-Cooper, also part of the ensemble, feels that Gilbert and Sullivan, with their original aim of satirising the establishment, would have approved of this version.  

Fun songs with a rock or gospel feel showed the cohesion of the leads, chorus/ensemble: favourites were “Courthouse Rock”, “A nice Dilemma” and “Joy Unbounded”, a rock tune with a Chuck Berry feel. It all came together as a satisfyingly witty, bouncy take on an old classic, and proved to be a great night of entertainment.

Merlene Abbott