Trail to Oregon

Trail to Oregon is a Starkids production, one of a series of parody musicals, with somewhat of a cult following. This production features a cast that are mostly veterans of several Starkids shows, and the Opening Night audience included many established fans.

Based on the video game The Oregon Trail, Trail to Oregon has multiple opportunities for audience involvement including selecting the characters’ name and voting for which character is to shuffle off their mortal coil, meaning that the cast need to learn multiple endings to the show.

Simply set, a small amount of set dressing adds atmosphere, and the cast wear costumes that roughly evoke the era (and some specialty costumes that are great fun). A good quality live band, led by Musical Director Joshua Hollander are visible on stage, 

Performances are strong, with all the cast having excellent voices and a strong rapport. Mathew Leak anchors the show beautifully as the Father, in a strong central performance. Lukas Perez has a lovely combination of warmth and sass as Mother. Brittany Isaia brings a beautiful voice and lovely comedy to the Daughter, playing nicely off Verity Lux, lovely in the breaches role of the Son. Completing the family is Max Leunig relishing the role of Grandfather and revelling in the camp portrayal of Cletus Jones. The final member of the cast is Riley Merrigan who plays the villainous McDoon and a plethora of other roles, switching characters with great aplomb.

Dancing, choreographed by Sophie David, was quirky and well-executed and there were some clever visual gags.

There was an issue with diction, with some jokes not quite landing with the uninitiated audience members due to clarity, and this was particularly noticeable during songs. Hopefully this will improve during the run. The comedy is of the university revue style, and will not appeal to everyone, but certainly resonated with many in the crowd.

A musical that’s a little bit different, with a very talented cast.

Kimberley Shaw