Mack and Mabel

WAAPA’s annual “big” musical, staged at His Majesty’s Theatre, is the biggest event of the WAAPA performance calendar. Much anticipated, this production, performed by WAAPA Music Theatre and Music Students and designed built and crewed by WAAPA Production and Design Students, does not disappoint, with Mack and Mabel a slick, polished, and well performed production that rivals the production values of a national tour.

The story of silent movie director Mack Sennet and star Mabel Normand, it follows the rise of the film industry from around 1911, through the emergence of the talkies, until 1930. Stylish ‘of the era’ sets were designed by Steve Nolan, lit with panache from a design by Tim Bonser. Vision Designer Max Mackenzie helped to evoke the era, while student costume designer Alicia Matthews led the team that created dozens of stunning costumes.

Sounding fabulous under the leadership Music Director Tim Cuniffe, strong singing is accompanied by a full and accomplished orchestra, beautifully balanced by sound designer Megan Coles.

This is a strong cast. Sarah Monteau is delightful as Mabel Normand - a beautiful performance with loads of personality that anchors the show well. She works well alongside two Macks - Jackson Britza, passionate and energetic as the younger Mack, and Rohan Campbell, whose performance as the older Mack Sennett is gorgeously sung and has great depth and a maturity beyond his years.

Impressive performances abound. Regan Barber is a very dynamic Lottie, leading the huge production number, “Tap Your Troubles Away” particularly well, while Hamish Pickering and Peter Ho have great teamwork and spark as backers Kessel and Baumann. Great characterisation from Harry Fenn as the charming Frank, Ariana Rigazzi as Ella, Hayley Parnaby as Iris and Justin Wise, well-padded as Fatty. Campbell Parsons reveals a stunning voice and is a very worthy love rival as William Desmond Taylor - a memorable performance.

A large and very talented ensemble of second and third year students are kept very busy throughout, playing a multitude of characters and executing Jayne Smeulders’ creative and complex choreography with polish and precision. Great to see so many performers on stage - very well used throughout. 

Mack and Mabel has not been produced in Perth in several decades, but WAAPA’s beautifully realised production has made it worth the wait. A fabulous showcase of the future of Australian musical theatre, this show is a treat.

Kimberley Shaw

Images: Stephen Heath Photography