It’s a Dad Thing: The Musical

This is a show NOT to be missed! It's a Dad Thing: The musical is an adaption by Adam Goodburn with music and Lyrics by Matthew Carey, directed by David Lampard. Put these three names into the production team of any show and you already sense that it is going to be something big.

As soon as you walk into the venue you get a feel for this production. The set consists of bright green astro turf, larger than life daisy cut outs and giant ABC blocks, an instant indication that the audience is in for a 'play school' good time.

Cast members start milling early, making preparations for an afternoon working bee. They chat about the weather and handball and footy as the audience takes their seats.

From the opening number this cast delivers an exceptional, professional standard. There is not a weak link amongst them. Five dads are in the park for the afternoon erecting a new playground for the kids. Nicholas Cannon, Adam Goodburn, Kent Green, Rodney Hutton and PJ Oaten play the fathers in question. Every one of these performers is outstanding, and as an ensemble raises the roof of the State Opera Studio.

As the story revolves around the three fathers building a playground for the kids, one of the dads - who is expecting - talks of his nervousness and the show launches into a full blown recount of fatherhood, from pregnancy to morning sickness, pre natal classes to childbirth and sleepless nights. Nothing is left unexplored. An audience favorite is the vasectomy song, sung by Green and supported with stunning harmonies from the rest of the boys.

This show is cleverly written and will appeal to men and women alike. Whether you are a mother, father, grandparent or never had kids, there is something in this comedy musical for everyone.

Nicholas Cannon is the ‘suited’ father, always stuck on his mobile phone. Cannon’s cameo as the reluctant ‘sexual’ wife is hilarious, especially when it’s time to ask – “does my bum look big in this?”

PJ Oaten plays the expectant father with a cameo as the pre natal counselor, abusing and coaxing the fathers as pay back for "doing this" to their wives. Kent green gives a very impassioned performance, and quite seriously moves the audience with his story of a troubled birth leading to a brain damaged daughter. Rodney Hutton impressively sculls a beer on stage but does not limit his performance talents to this. Hutton’s rock and roll number, complete with Tina Turner wig, was a standout. Adam Goodburn rounds out the talented cast singing at his usual high standard, complete with tool belt and flannelette shirt. Goodburn is a pleasure to watch; quick-witted, with great comic timing, his constant attempts to keep his newborn asleep whilst battling a creaky floorboard have the audience in stitches.

Musical Director Sam Leske heads an excellent band with Alex Wignall, Brett Williams and Holly Thomas. The band sound is full and consistent and blends so perfectly with the microphone levels that you almost forget they are there. Some occasional preview night flaws will be fixed long before this season closes and aren’t even worth a mention, for this production is tight, clean, full of talent and bursting for a packed audience to give it the attention it deserves. Don’t miss it folks, it’s a dad thing!

Paul Rodda