Broadway Rescue

From the opening announcement, you know this is going to be a fun show, and you’re not wrong!

The world premiere of Broadway Rescue forms part of Bondi Theatre Company’s season of comedy, cabaret and children’s theatre.  And a very enjoyable part it is too.

The story is loosely based on Bondi Rescue, the phenomenon that is Bondi Beach, and Broadway. You don’t need to be familiar with Bondi Rescue to enjoy the show.  The story is basically an excuse to have some exceptional comedy and wonderful songs.

What makes the show, though, is the two stars, Rebecca Spicer and Justin Rynne, who also wrote the show.  I’m assuming they also directed, as the creative team on the website lists the musical director (Shirley Politzer OAM), writers, and dramaturge (Sally Alrich-Smythe), but doesn’t list a director.

It is difficult to direct yourself, but these two do a grand job. The use of space, entrances and exits, props, costumes, timing, lighting, pre-recorded sound and live music worked very well.  It is truly lovely to have a piano onstage, played by such an accomplished musician (Shirley), who is also included in some of the action.

Rebecca and Justin work well together, as actors, and singers.  They both have lovely voices, with good dynamic range, and connect emotionally with the songs, the audience, and each other.  They don’t just sing, they perform. 

They do wear mics, which I’m not keen on in a smaller theatre, but the show is so physical, it’s totally understandable.  And the volume isn’t overpowering.

In my view, the songs in a musical should advance the story.  And, in an ideal world, each song should be a great song, and standalone outside the context of the story.  The story isn’t really that important in Broadway Rescue, but in a weird way, the songs do advance the story.  And part of the joy for the audience, is recognising the well-known and well-loved songs used in the show, and appreciating how they fit with the story.

As someone who has had singing training, I remember learning a couple of the songs that are in the show back in the day, and they are not easy songs to sing.  Both Justin and Rebecca make it look effortless.

Another strong element in the show is the comedy.  Both actors take risks, which gives the show a lot of its energy.  They commit to the action, which makes the scene work, and makes it funny.  If they didn’t, it could fall very flat.

One of the joys of a live show, for an audience, is that anything can go wrong at any time, especially on opening night (or afternoon in this case).  A couple of things did go wrong, but the test of a good actor is how they handle it.  Both actors handled the problems with style.  Justin in particular showed himself to be a giving and generous actor.  And a gifted comedian.

Rebecca has a real warmth onstage that translates to her characters and the audience.  And a sense of mischief.

The opening night audience lapped it up.  There is a certain buzz or energy in an audience when a show is a hit.  The energy was there for this one.  My friend cheered during the curtain call, and commented that it was a pity there was only one more show, as she wanted to recommend it to people.  When I asked about her cheering, she said the show deserved to be cheered.  I agree.

Vanessa Cruise