Hopelessly Devoted

Art in Motion are having an Olivia Newton-John mini-season, preceding their upcoming production of Xanadu with the Australian play, Hopelessly Devoted, described as “a family drama interwoven with the heart-warming songs of Olivia Newton-John.

A WA premiere of this two-hander, which tells of Amy and her younger brother Andy, who care for their elderly and chronically ill mother, in a small town in regional Queensland. While Andy is keen to move out and onward, Amy is stuck in this lifestyle, escaping her mundane life through fantasies about her idol, Olivia Newton-John.

A strong cast, if both a little young for the roles, Keri-Rose Baker and Michael Carroll as Amy and Andy respectively work well together, and establish a believable sibling relationship. They nicely convey their characters’ situations and sing well - perhaps in the case of Keri-Rose, a little too well. It is hard to believe that this talented young lady could be socially isolated, when even if “unqualified” and “without friends” she could easily land a role in the local musical society or get a pub gig singing Olivia covers.

The show was simply but elegantly set, with supportive projections, well-chosen costumes, appropriate props and an emotionally conscious lighting design. A supportive soundscape was created by Liam Tickner.

An unusual little play that isn’t always sure where it is going, but it was well produced and fun to watch.

Kimberley Shaw