Strictly Ballroom - The Musical

As the first instalment of Baz Luhrmann's 'Red Curtain Trilogy' (alongside Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge!) the 1992 movie Strictly Ballroom (earning over $80 million worldwide) has become one of Australia's most successful and loved film musicals. All of Luhrmann's projects (including Australia, Gatsby, Elvis & La Boheme for Opera Australia) are synonymous for their unique storytelling style and extravagant visuals.

Footlight Productions Vic. have pulled out all the stops, the sequins, the feathers, and mirror balls, for the biggest and brightest show of their celebrated twenty-year history. This immersive production is a sensory overload of all things ‘80s, Aussie and extreme dancesport. Direction by Alister Smith (Elvis - A Musical Revolution, Cruel Intentions, Wedding Singer) stays true to the original film, while pushing the boundaries of realism to an even greater heightened reality that is pure escapism, and often downright ridiculous! That's what audiences love about Strictly Ballroom - The Musical! Ten original songs by Eddie Perfect (winner of Helpmann Award, Australian Writers' Guild Award and ARIA Award nominee) are fun, quirky, at times a little crass, and full of Australian humour. A smattering of songs are collaborations between artists such as Baz Luhrmann, MoZella, David Foster, Sia Furler, Elliott Wheeler, Craig Pearce, Bernie Herms, Linda Thompson, Maureen Anne McDonald and Eddie Perfect. The remainder of the songs including 'Time After Time', 'Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps' and 'Love Is In The Air' come from the iconic 1992 soundtrack.

The choreography in Strictly is nothing short of amazing! The inventive and captivating dance sequences are a true testament to the creativity and talent of experienced choreographer Ashley Boyd. Each character sparkles, showcasing their unique talents, and collectively they are an awe-inspiring ensemble. There are so many spectacular ensemble moments including the highly energetic 'Strictly Ballroom', the Spanish flavored 'Magnifico' and the joyous toe-tapper 'Love Is In The Air'. The more intimate 'Time After Time' and 'Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps', highlighting both the innocence and frailty of Scott and Fran's relationship, are emotionally captivating. Scott's Act One dance solo in the Kendall Studio is a piece of choreographic genius, receiving a riotous reception from the mesmerized audience!

Vocal and Musical Director, Phil Kearney (Footlight's inaugural MD twenty years ago) has assembled ten highly skilled musicians that handle the vast array of genres with ease! From sweeping ballroom standards (Viennese Waltz, Tango, Slow Foxtrot and Quickstep) to Latin (Cha-cha-cha, Samba, Rumba, Jive and Paso Doble) to more modern Swing, Jazz and Pop styles, the off-stage band is kept 'on their toes' in this dance-intensive show. And for an additional treat (and authenticity) two flamenco guitarists (including Ben Baker) perform live on-stage during 'Magnifico'. Congratulations to Kearney and the musicians on a truly impressive performance! It's obvious that as Vocal Director Kearney has worked extremely hard to bring out the strength of all the performers, whether it be solo or ensemble numbers. It's impressive too that none of the cast ever seem breathless despite dancing and singing at the same time! 

Set Design by Adam 'Gus' Powers is lavish, with its bold, bright and eye-catching elements.  Red velour curtains (that open, close and morph into various sizes and shapes during scene transitions) adorn the proscenium. Austrian style scalloped curtains are used to divide upstage and downstage. This is used to beautiful effect during 'Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps' when Scott and Fran appear to be dancing backstage whilst Tina Sparkle and Nathan Starkey's silhouettes are seen performing to the front-of-house crowd. Additional sets include the exterior and interior of Kendall Dance Studio complete with its full-size mirrors, the exterior of Fran's families' business and a giant Coca Cola billboard. The scenes depicting the Waratah Championships and Pan-Pacific Grand Prix ballrooms, complete with their giant mirror balls and strings of fairy lights shine with colour and pizzazz! The props (gracefully manoeuvred around the stage by the dancers) keep the continuity fluid and the overall look of the show aesthetically pleasing!

One only has to hear the name Marcello Lo Ricco (multi-award-winning Sound Designer) to know that this show is in great hands! Although the band performs off-stage the wall of sound is strategically placed throughout the venue (via numerous speakers) to deliver a clear, punchy, 'live' sound.  Additionally, vocals, dialogue and sound effects are well balanced (especially notable during the large ensemble numbers) ensuring the audience doesn't miss a word! Lighting Design by Daniel Jow is stunning from start to finish! Whether it's lighting up the gaudy world of Dancesport, a romantic scene between Scott and Fran, or a Spanish style dance-off, Jow's choice of colors, textures and patterns, plus the use of spotlights and mirror balls create a plethora of moods that excite us!

Original Costume Design by Victoria Horne along with Costume Coordinator Bridget Dunstan (and her talented group of sewers) have presented us with an elaborate assortment of traditional ballroom costumes that adhere to the rules of the World Dancesport Federation. During the Latin numbers the costumes are tight fitting, heavily beaded and sequined, with elaborate accessories including feathers and jewels. For the most part, each pair of dancers have matching coloured outfits. During the ballroom numbers the men wear black tuxedos while their partner wears a long flowing ball gown with layers of frills and feathers. The two most striking ensembles are those worn by Scott (including a matador inspired jacket, featuring intricate embroidery) and Fran (her dress, with its rich red and black tones, featuring a long flowing skirt) to add to the drama of the Paso Doble. The members of the Kendall learn to dance school wear authentic ‘80s style work-out and leisure wear. It's hard to imagine that these clothes were so fashionable in their time. Hair and Makeup Design by Mel Van Krieken adds another layer of authenticity to each character, whether serious or quirky! 

The lead cast are all multi-talented and display remarkable versatility. Coming from a background of ballroom and Latin American dancing makes Jesse Simpson the ideal choice for Scott Hastings (the talented and ambitious dancer who wants to dance his own steps!) Simpson’s charisma, athleticism, and vulnerability makes for a captivating and unforgettable performance. Perri Espinoza as Fran (Just Fran!) delivers a heartfelt and nuanced performance. Together, their dynamic and authentic chemistry brings the characters of Scott and Fran to life, making their story a captivating one. Their artistic interpretation of 'Time After Time', 'Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps' and 'Love Is In The Air' is natural and sincere, making them crowd favourites! 

Sophie Collins (Shirley Hastings, Scott's ambitious and manipulative Mother) and David Mackay (Doug Hastings, Scott's downtrodden Father), with decades of performing experience between them, are consummate performers. The interactions between the two are at times hilarious and others heart wrenching. Their vocals on 'What Was It All For?' are tender and sympathetic. Ian Nash-Gilchrist (Les Kendall, owner & coach of Kendall dance studio), and Jamie McGuane (Barry Fife, corrupt President of the Australian Dance Federation) portray their cartoon-like stereotypes with great comedic timing. Their songs 'Two To Tango' and 'Dance to Win' were full of clever wordplay and entertaining choreography. Kurt Russo (JJ Silvers) is an excellent master of ceremonies with his quick-wit, and connection with the audience. His Act Two opener (accompanied by a bevy of glitzy dancers) 'Beautiful When You Dance' is a riot! 

Nelfio Di Marco (Rico, Frans Father) and Nikki Arnott (Abuela, Frans Grandmother) bring a different and exciting vibe to the show as migrants from a Spanish background. Along with the ensemble, their performance of 'Magnifico' (with its passionate and dramatic tango steps), is by far the highlight of Act One and received a huge ovation. Ali Simpson (Tina Sparkle) with her obvious years of dance training is a pleasure to watch! Other lead triple threats that all have their shining moments during the show include: Morgan Dooley-Axup (Liz Holt), Callum Smith (Ken Railings), David Van Etten (Wayne Burns), Katie Loxston (Vanessa Cronin). A special mention to the youngest cast members Abbey Jones (Kylie Hastings) and Campbell Van Elst (Luke) whose performance of 'Let's Dance' was flawless! The incredibly talented members of the ensemble include: Stefani Aleksic, Damian Caruso, Cassie Chappell, Hugh Daffy, Elyssa Jeffreys, Jemma Lowther, Jocelyn Mackay, Charles McIntyre, Ben McNaughton, Tom Nouwen, Shane Pritchard, Rebecca Romeo, Dom Roussety and Liana Whatman.

Congratulations to Footlight Productions Vic. on this second to none 20th anniversary production of Strictly Ballroom - The Musical. 

With its fun story, Aussie humour, toe-tapping songs, colourful costumes, and breathtaking dance routines it is sure to be a sell-out. Don't miss it!

Jonathan Cox

Photos: Margaret Kokrhelj