Villains: A Dizney in Drag Fantasy
Villains: A Dizney in Drag Fantasy is the Schmigadoon of the Disney franchise. Though I should point out, this production is not connected with Disney Films in any way. The songs sound like the Disney songs we love, but the lyrics bear no relationship whatsoever.
The production follows a hapless would-be villain as he endeavours to be the real thing. After all, “If you aren’t a hero, you’re a villain!” He is helped by the Hairy Godmother, resplendent in a pink crinoline, pink beard and an unbelievably tall, pink Louis 14th court wig.
Together, they meet many villains, all heralded by clouds of smoke and flashing lights. This is thirsty work, but the Hairy Godmother (or HG) comes prepared and can produce any number of items from under her skirt, open cans of beer and even an esky!
They meet a villain that looks a lot like Maleficent whose advice is to ‘Seek Revenge’, followed by a very inebriated Captain Cook lookalike who, with the help of several members of the audience, tells us of his misfortune having ‘A Hand for a Hook’.
Next on the quest is a villain that looks suspiciously like Ursula, the siren of the sea in a spectacular purple sequinned gown who offers her advice. This villain was my favourite. Lyrics went wrong, and why wouldn’t they with ‘her’ parents seeing the show for the first time, but ‘she’ covered beautifully!
Three princes come by to offer their advice, one of them bearing a resemblance to Prince Charming. The last villain to offer advice wears a dalmatian skin coat and black sequinned jumpsuit and looks like she should be accompanied by 101 spotty dogs.
She offers sage advice (‘Bow Down to Me’) of self-empowerment and self-belief that is just what our hero/villain needs and the show ends happily.
This is a particularly high energy show with the performers entering and exiting throughout the venue. The singing is first rate and the comedy just keeps on coming. The cast are ad lib experts and are able to cover beautifully when things go wrong (eg. a dead body mike).
But this is more than just a comedy show, it has a real message for all. A word of warning though, even though it is based in Disney films, it is not a show for the kiddies.
Villains: A Dizney in Drag Fantasy is an hysterical, well written show which is sure to tickle your funny bone and send you home tired from laughing and a message to consider!
Barry Hill OAM
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