A Cracker Kransky Christmas

The Kransky Sisters are back in town again — not so far to travel this time in their trusty, and no doubt crusty, Morris from their home in Esk, sunny Queensland. They bring with them their own version of the spirit of Christmas, complete with hilarious paraphernalia from the past and an odd assortment of musical instruments: tuba, a very old, old keyboard, and an array of domestic utensils, including a toilet brush to be used as a rhythmic instrument.

The group has been around for a long time, touring Australia and even overseas with their wacky, eccentric form of humour and remarkable selection of musical arrangements. The sisters, played by Annie Lee, Christine Johnson, and Carolyn Johns (on tuba), come from a dysfunctional family and are all ageing spinsters reeking of baggage from past incidents — in particular, a mother who ran off with their father’s brother, resulting in half-sister No. 3. This may well be the reason she sought refuge in the world of tuba-land to escape the clutches of her matriarchal sister, along with the effects even she had on sister No. 2!

This is a fun night out with a difference: naughty-but-nice, with well-injected, quirky, and often finely tuned monologues and routines: tales of adventures and misadventures opening avenues of imagination, drawing on the small-town mentality of past generations whilst bringing it firmly into the present. Their touch of Addams Family–style humour adds spice to the presentation, too, supported by an innate sense of comedy and timing.

What is perhaps most remarkable, however, is the excellent musicianship and creativity behind the musical arrangements. Songs in this production range from Britney Spears and the Spice Girls to M and even AC/DC — along with a carol or two — all delivered with a distinctive Kransky twist. The vocal harmonies are spot-on, and the bass lines from Carolyn Johns’ tuba playing are exceptional, enough to incite uncontrollable envy and disbelief from the cream of bass guitar players in any reputable rock group!

Apart from a few minor low points, the spirit of Christmas abounded throughout the evening, with fun-filled audience participation, spontaneous rapport, and some of the best comedic musical arrangements you'll ever hear.

All in all, it was a cracker of a night and warmly received by a packed house — including, inevitably, those in the audience from Esk, who made themselves known just in case anyone had forgotten where the Morris came from!

Brian Adamson