Saturday Night Fever
Saturday Night Fever, the West End and Broadway musical based on the groundbreaking 1977 film starring John Travolta, offers a powerful and poignant journey into the heart of the 1970s disco scene. Featuring the timeless music of the Bee Gees and other iconic artists of the era, the album became the best-selling soundtrack of all time (only surpassed by The Bodyguard in 1992) and earned the prestigious Grammy for Album of the Year in 1979.
At the heart of Saturday Night Fever is 19-year-old Tony Manero, an Italian American guy from Brooklyn who spends his weekends escaping the tough realities of his working-class life by hitting the disco. Dancing gives him a brief escape from the stress and disillusionment of his neighbourhood and family, where big dreams often feel out of reach. Tony’s personal life is messy, especially with a complicated love triangle that drags him through some tough times. But in the end, he finds redemption—though it’s anything but easy.
The musical goes beyond just romance, diving into the struggles of being young in a world that’s changing fast. It tackles heavy themes like dysfunctional families, teenage pregnancy, gang violence, and the search for identity—all set to the high-energy beats of disco. Saturday Night Fever isn’t just about nostalgia and dance; it’s a raw, honest look at the pressures of growing up, chasing dreams, and just trying to survive. With its powerful emotional moments and unforgettable soundtrack, it’s a story about how far we’re willing to go to find meaning in a world that doesn’t always care.
Director and Producer Drew Anthony, known for his productions of The Diary of Anne Frank and Little Shop of Horrors, has crafted a stunning world in Saturday Night Fever. From dazzling mirror balls to illuminated dance floors, the production design is nothing short of spectacular. The team behind the scenes—including Aquixel Studios for screen content, Jason Bovaird for lighting, and Jordan Gibbs for audio—has created an immersive experience that captivates at every turn.
Every piece of dialogue and every vocal is crisp and clear, while the lighting effortlessly sets the tone for each scene. The video walls, which appear almost 3D, transition seamlessly between locations—from Joe’s Diner to Tony’s family home, the local grocery store, basketball courts, starry sky, subway and cityscapes. But the real magic happens at the 2001 Odyssey Night Club in Bay Ridge, where the heart of the story’s dance battles and high-energy competition unfolds.
Choreographers Jamie and Suzi Rolton bring an electric energy to every single performer, taking the dance moves from the iconic film to a whole new level. While John Travolta’s famous moves were captured in short takes for the movie, seeing them live with a top-tier cast of dancers amps up the wow factor like never before.
Costume designer Dani Paxton and wig designer Drew-Elizabeth Johnstone totally nail it, giving each character their own unique flair. Think tons of bling, bold styles, and those classic open-cut shirts that scream '70s disco. The way the choreography and costumes come together is a showstopper, adding so much personality and style to every scene. It’s a visual feast that makes you feel like you’re stepping straight into the heart of the disco era.
Musical Director Daniel Puckey, who also plays Keyboard 1, brings a rich and exciting sound to the show with a talented band of just five musicians. Alongside him are Mark Bradley (Associate Musical Director/Keyboard 2), Anthony Chircop (Bass), Aaron Syrjanen (Guitar), and Kieran Rafferty (Drums). This skilled ensemble adds a wonderful depth to the performance, especially during the dance numbers, creating a lively atmosphere that perfectly enhances the energy of the show. It was great to see them come on stage at the bows for a well-deserved cheer of appreciation.
Ethan Churchill (Strictly Ballroom, A Chorus Line, Footloose) delivers a standout, star-making turn as leading man Tony Manero — a performance so compelling it previously earned him the BroadwayWorld Award for Best Performer in a Musical. Tony is torn between his devoted ex-girlfriend, Annette, and the captivating newcomer, Stephanie Mangano. Although Stephanie initially shows interest in him, an incident after the dance contest eventually drives her away. Churchill’s portrayal balances Tony’s magnetic confidence with his underlying vulnerability, giving the character real depth and authenticity. He commands the stage with ease, and his solo numbers — “Staying Alive”, “Night Fever”, “You Should Be Dancing”, and “Jive Talkin’” — are firm audience favourites.
Regan Barber (Sunset Boulevard, Dog Man The Musical) plays Stephanie Mangano, a 20-year-old Manhattan office worker who presents herself as refined, worldly, and just a little aloof. Barber delivers a standout vocal performance in the stirring “What Kind of Fool”, her key solo, singing with warmth, control, and emotional clarity. The number reveals Stephanie’s vulnerability and growing feelings, offering a striking contrast to her otherwise composed, self-assured exterior. After meeting Tony at the dance club and agreeing to partner with him for the dance contest, she begins to fall for him. Churchill and Barber’s duet of “How Deep Is Your Love” was both touching and uplifting, perfectly capturing the chemistry between the characters and giving the audience one of the show’s most heartfelt, memorable moments.
Izzi Green (The Wedding Singer, Urinetown, Mamma Mia) delivers a deeply moving portrayal of Tony’s ex-girlfriend, Annette, a character brimming with emotional complexity. Torn between love, heartbreak, and longing, Annette’s sincerity and vulnerability are brought vividly to life on stage. In her heart wrenching performance of “If I Can’t Have You”, Green captures the dramatic tension of a young woman grappling with unrequited love, with every glance and note conveying the intensity of her devotion and the quiet ache of her heart.
Chelsea Plumley (Mary Poppins, Muriel’s Wedding, Neighbours) radiates warmth and humour as Flo Manero, Tony’s devoted mother, whose love and steadfast concern anchor the story amid the chaos of Tony’s world. George Kapiniaris (Wogs Out of Work, Acropolis Now, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) delivers a richly layered performance as Frank Manero, Tony’s alcoholic father, capturing both the tension of his personal struggles and the moments of darkly comic frustration that add depth to the family dynamic. Linda, Tony’s spirited younger sister, was portrayed on opening night by Amileya Moro, with Charis Morabito taking on the role in alternate performances. The trio’s vibrant energy and natural chemistry bring heart, charm, and playful humour to the Manero family, making every scene feel alive and engaging.
Standout performances lit up the stage throughout the show. Matthew Casamento as Frank Junior, Dimitri Raptis as Double J, and Ewan Herdman as Joey brought charisma, energy, and sheer fun to their roles, keeping audiences hooked from start to finish. A special shout-out goes to Sam Hamilton as Bobby C – his breathtaking, emotionally charged rendition of “Tragedy” was a show-stopping moment and one of the evening’s undeniable highlights. The three nightclub singers – Bianca Baykara, Clara Harrison, and Thalia Osegueda Santos – were simply mesmerizing, weaving their stunning harmonies in and out of the action, almost like the heartbeat or conscience of the story. And the ensemble? Wow. Anthony Garcia, Joshua Kobeck, Julian Seguna, Ayril Borce, Hannah Canon, Lily Baulderstone, Sophia Katos, and Ruby Voss brought powerhouse vocals, flawless dance moves, and unstoppable energy, lifting every scene and making the show sparkle. From leads to ensemble, every performer gave it their all, creating a night full of talent, excitement, and unforgettable moments.
Don’t miss Saturday Night Fever — a sparkling, high-octane night of disco, drama, mirror balls and unforgettable performances that will have you dancing in your seat and humming the hits all the way home!
Jonathan Cox
Photographer: Ben Fon
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