What Makes a Musical, A Musical

Grey Lantern’s What Makes a Musical, A Musical, was originally scheduled for a Fringe World season, which unfortunately was in the week that we were in Lockdown. Fortunately for Perth’s musical theatre fans, Grey Lantern mounted a short independent season of this impressive World Premiere musical.

Developed after workshops with the cast and creatives, this musical about a young university student attempting to write his own musical was composed by Joshua Haines and Lachlan Obst, who also accompany, musically direct and appear in the production. Lyrics were written by Cassie Skinner, with the book by Lorna Mackie.

As the budding author attempts to overcome procrastination and write a “textbook” musical for a writing assignment, a plethora of characters appear in his head to help with (or hinder?) the writing process. Matthew Manning is outstanding in the central role, with endearing conversations with the audience and a very believable characterisation. The figments of his imagination are led by Mitch Lawrence, using some great accents. Tom Hutton and Georgia McGivern are appropriately “very strong” as Strong Leading Man and Strong Leading Woman. Cassie Skinner relishes the role of the villain in a very dynamic performance. Matthew Arnold is a great comic sidekick, while Andrea Lim has some great things to say about casting People of Colour in her role as the alto belter best friend. Anita Telkamp makes a great ensemble, on her own, with a lovely moment as a tree.

Singing is excellent throughout, making the most of the clever and hummable songs, with Anita Telkamp’s fun choreography executed nicely.

A very impressive, very watchable new show that deserved its warm reception. This is a show with great future potential, either for future seasons or as a longer work. I look forward to seeing it again.

Kimberley Shaw