Comedians on Stage Auditioning for Musicals

There is no doubt that the sold-out season of Comedians on Stage Auditioning for Musicals heralds a new, at times, cringeworthy cult show. Michelle Brasier and her ‘ex-husband’, Director, Ben Russell are searching for a new star for the Wagga Wagga Amateur Theatre Society. It may be for a role in Les Misérables or Cats. Who knows? I am not sure that they do. Indeed, it is possible that the auditionees are somewhat confused about it too.

The Banquet Room with its glamorously lit ruched curtains is the perfect venue for this mayhem audition, even allowing some of the ‘talent’ to sneak into the audience and unscrupulously influence the voting. Dark lighting spots are forgiven as the auditionees are frantically twirling, moving and improvising on the run. Hopefuls each night can vary, so each audience may see a unique show.

There is evidence that Brasier and Russell can sing and the audition pianist, Julie is wonderful accompanying the musical hopefuls, and in showing off her own musical talents in her rendition of "Life is a Cabaret". The audience joyfully joined auditionee one in "When You’re Good to Momma" which in feedback Brasier describes as ‘bringing up the same emotion as a divorce case.’

Braden Kelly delighted the audience with patter rich in Adelaide suburb names, but alas his feedback was, ‘Deep down, you are….useless.’

The next musical comedian, Leela was concerned that women were ‘Out to get her’, and was advised to consider a career in dentistry rather than music. No feelings are spared. After serenading the audience with "They Call the Wind Mariah", fine tenor ‘Mad dog Malcolm’ blatantly tried to sway the judges, pointing out that getting a part, ‘Would mean the world’ to his dying mother.

Not busy enough being the Festival’s Artistic Director, Virginia Gay rushed in, apologising for her lateness and attributing that to ‘Having to take on her pregnant sister’s shift at Baker’s Delight!’ Her performance was full of joy and enthusiasm and interestingly, her feedback was, ‘You could be an actor.’

There is not a serious second in this madcap show, and it is terrific entertainment on a winter’s night.

Just take care if you are considering auditioning for the Wagga Wagga Society, you may be safer to become a Dentist!

Jude Hines

Photographer: Claudio Raschella