Twisted: The Untold Tale of a Royal Vizier

Marie Clark Musical Theatre Company have presented a musical theatre gem for their 50^th Anniversary. Twisted is a SA premiere from the US theatre company Starkid Productions.

StarKid has been creating musical comedies since 2009. Over the last 15 years, StarKid has produced 13 full length musicals (including parodies of Disney, Star Wars, Batman, and The Oregon Trail), gone on national concert tours, had #1 albums on the Billboard Charts, performed sketch shows with The Second City in Chicago, and performed at conventions, meeting fans all over the world. 

Twisted  is a parody musical that tells the story of Ja’far, a kind-hearted yet misunderstood royal vizier who is trying his best to return the Magic Kingdom to an age of prosperity. The cast features Ja’far, a beautiful maiden with endless stories to tell, a princess who longs for an exciting adventure (the kind that comes with servants and security), a callous street rat, a really funny wish-granting Djinn, and a vengeful prince with a powerful army and many more!

With more than a passing resemblance to Book of Mormon in style, Twisted packs in the laughs and provides endless opportunities for character acting.

First time director Kristian Latella has created a tight knit cast who work as an cohesive ensemble bringing out every laugh. His set design, with scenic art by Damon Hill, is simple featuring columns, sand dunes and back projections to add colour and provide comment throughout the production. (audio and lighting design – Rodney Bates and INTLX Productions) His cast sets a cracking pace ensuring the laughs keep coming.

Musical Director Liam Phillips’s seven-piece orchestra is pitch perfect and well balanced, no mean feat in the cosy confines of the Goodwood Theatre. Phillips is well known for his stage roles and now for presenting ‘tight’ bands, both with Marie Clarke.

Rachel Lee’s costumes (assisted by Merici Thompson) are opulent (for the rich),  plain (for the common man) and add a splash of colour to a simple set. Extra marks for a wonderful costume for Prince Achmed featuring a surprise at the back which I will not reveal in this review.

Vanessa Redmond’s choreography is well matched to the abilities of the cast and the requirements of the musical. She uses the acting space well and includes many whimsical touches.

As Ja’far, the Royal Vizier who is trying to improve the ‘lot’ of the people, thwarted at every turn, Bed Todd gives his all vocally and physically. The roll of Ja’far is a huge sing (similar to Max Bialystock in The Producers) and Todd nails the singing, physicality and timing of the role. His version of ‘Sands of Time’ is well sung.

As the Princess, Sash Elliott steals every scene with her spoilt Princess reminiscent of Kim Kardashian (if Kardashian could sing). Her timing is spotless and her scenes with Aladdin are hysterical. I particularly enjoyed her ‘The Power in Me’ with Ja’far.

Axel Moen is born to play the lovable rogue Aladdin. Moen makes the role his own and bounds around the stage with effortless energy. He and Elliott are perfectly matched as lovers of sorts. His ‘Take Off Your Clothes’ and the duologue with his evil self are standouts. A truly wonderful performance!

Tegan Gully-Crispe is no stranger to musicals. Her Sherrazade is worldly wise and a perfect match for Ja’far. Their ‘A Thousand and One Nights’ is a highlight. Her warmth in the scenes with Ja’far provide a break from madcap comedy.

Felix Setchell embodies Prince Achmed to a T. His facial expressions, physicality and timing are perfect! ‘No One Remembers Achmed’, including the tiger f***er scene, brought the house down. Hopefully we will see more of Setchell in 2025.

There is so much talent completing the cast – Scott Beauchamp’s droll Captain of the Guard, Doug Phillips’ pompous Royal Vizier, James Hesters’ sexually compromised Sultan,

Michael Coumi’s laid back, movie buff Djinn, Jasmyn Setchell’s comedy sidekick monkey and bird (puppet maker Jacqui Bodycomb) and in a cameo, the inimitable Cara Brown as one of the best Ursula’s you’ll see!

The remaining ensemble work tirelessly not only to support the principal cast but play numerous characters adding to the comedy of the piece. They change costume at the drop of a hat!

As with most musicals that have limited bump in time, there were a few hesitancies and technical glitches, but they were easily forgiven and will disappear as the production continues its season.

Due to the risqué nature of the material, it’s probably a good idea to leave the kiddies at home and enjoy the untold story of a Royal Vizier without having to answer awkward questions.

Twisted is a welcome relief to the woes of the world and a must see for anyone who enjoys a well-produced piece of musical theatre. It relies heavily on farce, slapstick and above all talent. Bravo Marie Clark Musical Theatre Company!

Barry Hill OAM

Photographer: Daniel Salmond