Creators Kellen Blair and Joe Kinosian’s hugely popular musical comedy is, of course, a whodunit – or should that be whosungit?
With Gabbi Bolt (who played the role in Sydney and beyond) and Matthew Predny (for the first time), this began with her emerging onto the stage while he was located hidden under the piano. We then proceeded into a multi-character murder mystery in which Gabbi portrays ambitious yet traumatised Officer Moscowicz – called in to investigate after the shooting of novelist Arthur Whitney on his birthday – and Matthew plays so many characters that you very nearly lose track. But that’s part of the fun.
He’s New Englander Arthur’s drama-queen wife Dolly; pushy young niece Steph; brilliant German psychiatrist Dr. Griff; an egomaniacal dancer; squabbling neighbours; a Scottish firefighter; several members of a boys’ choir; and more. And, if that weren’t enough, Gabbi and Matthew both played the piano (sometimes simultaneously) and sang a series of showstoppers, which notably included a complex tune from her that was probably called Protocol Says, and contributions from him perhaps entitled So What? and the fabulous (and occasionally grotesque) Seen A Lot Worse.
It’s all very silly but nevertheless tremendously entertaining, with oodles of energy, cool gags about Taylor Swift, Mama Mia and more, and even some touching and tender moments for poor Moscowicz.
And, late on, there’s even a little bit of audience participation, so if you’re sitting near the front then watch out!!!
Image credit: Claudio Raschella
