Australian Premiere of Musical ’50s Sci-fi Movie Spoof

A musical send-up of ’50s sci-fi movies is descending upon Perth in September 2014.

Written by David Wechter and Bruce Kimmel, The Brain from Planet X makes its Australian debut at Phoenix Theatre, presented by Dark Psychic Productions.

In 1958, a brain and its two alien cohorts arrive on Earth with a plan to take over the San Fernando Valley – starting with a happy nuclear family. It’s the first step in their quest to destroy the family unit and take over the entire planet.

Described as a “rousing, toe-tapping musical”, the show also features a singing, dancing brain.

Director Ryan S. McNally said he fell in love with The Brain from Planet X after downloading the soundtrack.

“I have a bad habit of listening to musical soundtracks and, after hearing this one, I instantly knew I wanted to direct the show,” he said. “Receiving the script and discovering how much humour in it was a bonus.

“It’s a spoof of 1950s alien horror movies and that’s why I enjoyed it so much – you watch those films now and they’re more comedy than horror.

“The show has taken all those elements and blended them really well to create a fantastic fun musical.”

McNally created Dark Psychic Productions in 2012, producing four shows and three showcases over the past two years, some staged at Phoenix Theatre.

Acting since high school, he embraced the idea of producing lesser-known shows.

“The Perth theatre scene seems to recycle the same shows over four-year periods and I wanted people to be able to see something different,” McNally said.

“The Brain from Planet X is one of many large-scale musicals we are planning to produce over the coming years.”

With any major show comes challenges and The Brain from Planet X is no exception.

“The ’50s costumes need to be spot on and, as Dark Psychic Productions and Phoenix Theatre are emerging companies, they don’t quite have the costume stock other theatres have,” McNally said.

“The set is also tricky, given there are four large set changes – timing and creativity is everything.

“But I feel lucky to have such a talented cast and crew around me who are all extremely enthusiastic about the show and their characters.

“I find them inspiring and I love watching them bringing this show to life.”

The Brain from Planet X plays at 8pm, September 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27 with a 2pm matinee September 21. Tickets are $25 adults, $20 concession plus transaction fees – book through TAZTix on 9255 3336 or www.TAZTix.com.au.

Please note: all proceeds from program sales and the nightly raffle will go to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of WA, along with funds raised from the show’s earlier Flying Saucer Tea Party. Cast member Mario Piccoli, who plays General Mills in the show, has MS.

Phoenix Theatre is located at 435 Carrington Street, Hamilton Hill, within the Hamilton Hill Memorial Hall.

Images: Glenn Wallis (Zubrick, left), Shaun Griffin (Narrator), Pat McMahon (Professor Leader), Gary De-Vries (Fred Bunson) and Kate Lloyd (Yoni); Professor Leder (Pat McMahon, centre) tries to make sense of the alien Yoni (Kate Lloyd, right) with one of the townspeople (Gabi Guidone);1950s husband Fred Bunson (Gary de-Vries) doesn’t quite know what to make of sexually frustrated alien Yoni (Kate Lloyd); & the cast of the Australian premiere of The Brain from Planet X, a hilarious musical send-up of ’50s sci-fi films. Photographs: The Sneaky Photographer.