The Stars at Noon

The one-woman show The Stars at Noon has its world premiere during Bondi Theatre Company’s season of comedy, musical cabaret and children’s theatre.  The show, with the wonderful title, is written and directed by Emily Engeman. Emily is also the star. You have to admire the passion and commitment of someone who does all three together, particularly as it is difficult to direct yourself.

Bondi Theatre Company’s idea of having so many shows share the space during October is inspired. It gives new shows the opportunity to be performed in front of an audience, without committing to a whole season. 

The Stars at Noon is a cabaret, described as a musical celebration of the women who dreamed of becoming astronauts, and worked hard to make their dream a reality.  The show focuses on the women’s background and achievements, the tests they underwent to qualify as astronauts, and the politics and thinking of the time. In particular, it focuses on three women who were important to ultimately achieving this dream.

The set is very simple, which makes sense with twelve productions sharing the space over the season.  Luckily, this works very well for the cabaret.  Minimal props and lighting are used to create different locations, with surtitles and voice recordings establishing the chronology of events.  As these events take place in America, the characters have American accents.  Emily uses different areas of the stage, and token items of clothing, to differentiate the characters.  The costumes also offer some colour.    

Emily has an engaging stage presence, and is obviously enthusiastic about the material.  She particularly enjoys playing the more layered character of Jackie Cochran.

With musicals, the songs should advance the story.  Some of the songs in The Stars at Noon don’t seem relevant to the story.  However, cabaret has less restrictions.   

Anthony Cutrupi, the musical director and accompanist, is onstage for the entire show.  It’s a testament to the excellent job he’s doing, that he doesn’t detract from the action.

Bondi Pavilion Theatre is a not a big theatre.  Normally performers wouldn’t be miked.  Emily is miked, and you’re aware of this when she is in profile.  If you’re not keen on loud sounds, don’t sit in the front row.

The Stars at Noon has a late start time, but is relatively short (roughly one hour), so getting home isn’t a problem.  Particularly as buses run all night from Bondi Beach.  And, as there’s a show on before both performances, you have the opportunity to purchase “combo” tickets to see two shows on one night.

The script for The Stars at Noon, developed with assistance from Beth Daly and Nicholas Christo, covers a lot of ground.  It is also very topical, with women’s roles being more recognised, and the fascination with space.  The ending of the cabaret works well in the context of the story. 

The opening night audience was wildly enthusiastic, applauding and cheering loudly.  A woman next to me commented that she learnt a lot.  The show does spark your interest in the preparations and practicalities of spaceflight, and the poetry.

Vanessa Cruise