Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom the Musical

Willoughby Theatre Company’s NSW Premiere production of Strictly Ballroom was a smash hit at The Concourse Theatre. Based on the Baz Luhrmann play that became the well- known Classic Aussie Movie, the musical really was a spectacle.

The renowned story (based on Luhrmann’s real life experiences) of an Aussie Ballroom Dancer Scott Hastings (Matt Hourigan) who gets disqualified at a lead up dance competition for the Pan Pacific Grand Prix for improvising dancing his own steps, has a hilarious script by Luhrmann and Craig Pearce, adapted by Terry Johnson. Many other lead characters that make up the musical include Fran – “Just Fran” (Bernice Keen) - the dance class attendee who becomes Scott’s dance partner after Liz leaves Scott disgruntled and embarrassed by his own moves. Fran finally persuades Scott after many attempts to dance with her, and they form a formidable partnership / romance.

Great comedic roles of Scott’s parents - Dance Instructor Mother Shirley and Father Douglas Hastings - are played brilliantly by (Deirdre Lee and Ian Johnson). Co Dance Instructor Les (Andrew Benson) and head of Ballroom Australia/ Judge Barry Fife, played with great energy by (Warren Blood), bounced brilliantly off each other.

Then we have Fran’s Father and Grandmother Abuela (Jose’ Gonzalez and Janina Hamerlok), two favourite performers in this production. Both expressed a certain expressive presence on stage that you couldn’t take your eyes off them, every time they were onstage. After many attempts and struggles Scott and Fran finally make it to the Pan Pacifics, after Scott dances with Tina Sparkle, a dazzling Steph Edmonds, at the lead up event at The Doonville Dingos Rugby League Club. After refusing to dance with Tina at the Pan Pacifics, after some home truths about his parents dancing history, Scott and Fran dance their own steps in the Latin Finals.

The two lead roles of Scott and “Just Fran” were delivered with great enthusiasm, both had shining moments and shared a convincing chemistry as their partnership grew. Matt Hourigan captivated the audience, especially in his number “On The Edge” after being disqualified. His dancing in this number was a real highlight, but I was distracted by the moving mirror set pieces in this number. Bernice Keen exhibited her theatre experience in the role of Fran, singing a beautiful duet with Janina Hamerlok in “Life is a Leap of Faith” which drew tremendous applause. I would have liked to have seen a little more nervousness from the role of Fran though at the beginning when she was just helping out at the Dance Studio.

Another actor worthy of mention was Luke Davis as the host of the Ballroom Competitions, JJ Silvers. Davis was a delight to watch as he sashayed his was around the stage introducing couples, really excelling in his own number “Beautiful When You Dance”.

The choreography in this show needed to be intricate and have precise steps. Choreographers Leanne Bampton and Natalie Neary have outdone themselves in all styles of Ballet, Ballroom, Broadway and Flamenco in this production. The cast should all be proud of themselves for performing the Chorey superbly. Some dance numbers did look a little cramped on the stage with such a large ensemble but this didn’t hinder the dancers.

The stripped back stage at the Concourse worked really well and allowed great use of projection.

The movement of the balcony set piece in the number “Time After Time” was very effective, giving the stage levels, instead of just using the floor space. Costuming is another important element to this musical, with Joy Sweeney and her team producing some extravagant Ballroom Gowns, while Scott’s Latin costume towards the end of the show was a terrific throw-back to Paul Mercurio’s movie costume. The orchestra, lead by Musical Director Mark Pigot, all sounded amazing in the musical numbers and added a special element to the scene where Scott meets Fran’s family.

Tom Sweeney and his cast and crew have boldly tackled this brand new musical to the Amateur Theatre world and have given other groups putting this show on something to be inspired by.

Don’t miss this dazzling production at the Concourse performing over the next two weekends.

James Russell

Photographs: Perfect Images