Breast Wishes

Breast Wishes is aptly subtitled “an uplifting musical” and as well as being a really cute pun, the sentiment applies beautifully to KADS’ presentation of this show, which despite some confronting subject matter, leaves its audience feeling good.

Music and Lyrics are by Bruce Brown (and the lyrics are excellent) with the book by a veritable plethora of writers – Merridy Eastman, Jonathan Gavin, Richard Glover, Wendy Harmer, Sheridan Jobbins, James Millar and Debra Oswald, an occasion where an ensemble approach to writing works well. It does, however, feel that this was written for a specific group of actors and the physical descriptions don’t always ring true for this cast, requiring some suspension of disbelief.

There are some particularly memorable moments. Fiona Forster’s performance of “Mills and Boon and Me” is very funny and gorgeously performed, while Stacey Gay’s “Dear Puppies” is beautifully poignant. Sandra Sando is lovely in both her roles, but her appearances as Irene, the professional bra fitter run the gamete from very funny to beautifully moving.

The cast form a nice ensemble and play a convincing family. Rounding out the cast are the lovely Cassee Lazic and the lone male John Bevan.

Presumably there have been hassles with music, as the onstage band did not match the description in the program and unfortunately the balance on the evening I attended meant that it was difficult to hear all of the obviously witty lyrics. Otherwise, vocal direction and musical backing, by Belinda Flindell, was solid. Choreography, by Claire Taylor was quirky and nicely executed.

While not every song hits its mark, the vignettes were nicely performed and the heart of this show is lovely. A feel-good show with an important message, it really does fulfil the promise of its subtitle.

Kimberley Shaw