Tony Galati - The Musical

This show is a 70 minute commercial for Spud Shed, a fruit and supermarket chain. It would also be largely incomprehensible to anyone from outside Western Australia. It is therefore surprising that Tony Galati - The Musical is a brilliant little show, that was one of the hits of Fringe World.

Campy, quirky and never taking itself (or Western Australia) very seriously, this irreverent love letter of a biography, tells of “Perthonality” Tony Galati and his underdog battle with the “evil” Potato Marketing Corporation of Western Australia. With a book by Dan Debuf and a fun score by Caleb Garfinkel, this Aussie battler story resonates with the local crowd, with lots of local in-jokes, wry observational humour and some clever plot devices.

Director Nicole Stinton steered a small and tight cast to broad-stroke, self-aware performances that were likeable and fun. Thomas Papathanassiou was a very loveable Tony, who anchored a strong ensemble, all of whom played multiple roles. Highlights included Amberly Cull’s heartfelt ballads as a Potato, Sam Longley’s officious privileged villain Russet Burbank, Nick Pages Oliver as TV’s David Koch and Emma Haines eager portrayal of Russet’s assistant.

A pacey little show that rattled along, Tony Galati - The Musical was a wonderful way to end Fringe World for many - a show that captured the spirit of Fringe, with broad appeal and simply great fun. Would love to see this one make a return season.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Sean Breadsell.

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