The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals

Starkids Musicals very much have a cult following, with a good proportion of each audience established fans who already know the show well, and anticipate each moment, occasionally preempting punchlines. All of this Can be a little disconcerting for the “average theatre goer” who may wonder what they are missing. Thankfully, The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals is well directed, staged and performed, so even if you feel you are missing something, there is some good singing to enjoy.

The plot is a little tricky to describe, but basically, a town is suddenly struck with a contagion that turns its citizens into zombies who are very capable musical theatre performers, and it is up to our Everyman (who happens to really dislike musicals) to save the day.

These performers are working their talented butts off, busy throughout, with everyone except our central character playing multiple characters. There are lots of quick changes, and a plethora of absurd and strange characters.

Joshua Hollander anchors the show well in the central role, of Paul Matthews, who has a romantic attraction to Emma, played with sass and horror heroine energy by Escher Roe. Brittany Isaia, brings great vocals to Charlotte Sweetly and Nora, while Georgia McGivern plays an ingenue trio as The Greenpeace Girl Alice, and Zoey.

Artorius Emanuel makes an impressive community theatre debut as Professor Higgins, while Clayton van Diijk fills the shoes of Bill Woodward nicely. Blair Price-Morgsn leans into the slimy Ted Spankoffski with skill, while Mathew Leak differentiates three significant roles well.

Performing with a live orchestra lead by Zac Skelton, sometimes lyrics are lost to the strength of the band. The cast perform against a black panelled wall (possibly the rear of the How to Succeed in Business set). Lighting designer Kira Bolitho adds some colour and feeling.

The show flows well, and while it caters to a niche market to a certain extent, it isn’t a chore to watch for the non-indoctrinated. A solid and fun show.

Kimberley Shaw