The Western Jukebox

Playlovers’ youth production The Western Jukebox is a jukebox musical in two parts. Act One is a celebration of country and western, while Act 2, almost a different show, is a musical about jukebox musicals.

In the first act we join Play FM’s Country and Western Hour of Power, as bickering hosts Ellie-May and Stevie-Ray, played with lovely teamwork by Vienna Overheat and Both Dobson, guide us through an hour of good listening. A baker’s dozen highly varied and well-chosen songs, where highlights include Anneka McLennan and Sebastian Robinson-Cook’s channelling of Betty Hutton and Fred Astaire’s “Oh Them Dudes”, Alex Westbrook’s gentle rendering of “When Somebody Loved Me”, Sofia Rippingale, Ally Chin, Neve Madden and Ellissa Murday’s heartfelt performance of “Jolene”, and “The Climb”, performed with sensitivity by Bronte McLennan, Ella Scott, Anneka and Sophie. Group numbers are strong, with the boys’ performance of “Thank God I’m A Country Boy” (Caylan Richards’ lead in is superb) and the girls’ “9 to 5” being particularly fun. Closing number “Footloose” is top-notch, performed with vitality and verve.

Before the show, audience members are asked to rate their favourite jukebox musicals from a choice of Mamma Mia!, Rock of Ages, Jersey Boys, The Boy from Oz and We Will Rock You. The audience choices determine the order of a five-song sequence in Act 2, as the young cast explore the concept of jukebox musicals. With some fabulous costumes and some quick changes, this certainly keeps these teens on their toes. Other numbers to watch for include “Kids in America” performed with great energy by Neve, Emily Phillips, Willow Urlus, Jessica May and Elissa. 

The cast is completed by Molly Hennessy, Callum Fairweather, Genevieve Gan, Jessica May and Lucy Reeler. This cast work well as a team, and while there are a few standouts and some familiar faces, it’s lovely to see lots community theatre debuts.

Singing is strong under the guidance of Musical Director Sue McLennan, with the creative choreography from Sue McLennan, Connie Wetherilt and Sean Smith executed with gusto and precision. Costumes, by Nyree Scott, are colourful and well selected, and the show features the lighting design talents of Fiona Reid.

This is a fun little show that will keep your feet tapping. Rehearsed under difficult circumstances, including a ceiling collapse in their rehearsal venue, Playlovers have produced a quality youth production that is a lovely way to kick off your theatrical year.

Kimberley Shaw