Broadway Bingo

After having viewed Outside the Jukebox's previous production Merry Mixology, a set of comedy sketches and songs intertwined in a cabaret setting, I highly anticipated seeing their next production, this time a completely different concept: a selection of Broadway songs interspersed with a bingo game show, including minimal audience participation. Audience members are able to view bingo cards on their phones or with a flyer and mark off any specific traits they see in a performance shouting out Bingo! when they have a full house. The show was conceived by all four of its experienced cast members with Hayden Rogers being the Creative Producer, Marcia Penman Musical Director, Oliver Samson Technical Producer and Hannah Grondin as part of the creative team.

Designed to emanate a party atmosphere, the intimacy of the venue blends well with the concept giving the audience the opportunity to be up-close-and-personal with the cast, even win a prize; and with such an enthusiastic and supportive audience the event soon captured the spirit of its creators' intentions and the party began, twirling bingo balls included ....

This is indeed an intriguing concept and a choice vehicle for the cast to demonstrate their love of musical theatre and show off their vocal talents and includes some moving performances from shows like Jesus Christ Superstar, Rent, Wicked, Les Misérables and so on, deftly staged whilst using suitable backing tracks.

What was lacking in this presentation, however, in contrast to their previous production, was a comedic script so the evening eventually evolved into more of a selection of Broadway songs in concert, though there was some good ensemble work and included, what is one of their unique trademarks, an hilarious rendition of The Sound of Music complete with satirical choreography to match in addition to a roundabout of staging left entirely to the whim of an audience member with a bell. It's a pity there weren't more of these routines despite the fact that the night's entertainment is left more to chance with the bingo balls (the show also being advertised as 'The Unpredicatable Musical Experience') with audience involvement being partly a precursor depending on who calls out Bingo!, and when, ready for first, second and third prize.

Nevertheless, the opening night was a successful encounter for its creators and included a spirit of encouragement and appreciation from the audience and is indeed a merry somewhat 'camp' nightout for lovers of musical theatre, of which there appeared to be many.  Intimate theatre works well with Brisbane audiences who generally enjoy a night out of fun-and-frivolity, including audience participation, and we hope this talented team continues to keep those clever creative juices flowing ready for their next show.

Brian Adamson