A review all in rhyme for a sparkling gay time
Princess Boy Wonder, by George Fowler and Lori Leigh, performed by George Fowler, directed by Lori Leigh, BATS Theatre, 6.30pm, until November 28
The Slutcracker, story by Jean Sergent and Salesi Le’ota, directed by Jean Sergent, choreography by Brigid Costello, musical arrangement by Maxwell Apse, BATS Theatre, 8.30pm, until December 12. Reviewed by
Sonya Stewart.
‘Twas the month before Christmas, and all throughout BATS, a drag king was binding, turning hills into flats. The red curtainwas hung, two stage managers there, in hopes that Hugo Grrl soon would be there. George Fowler was ready, as the Princess Boy Wonder. Telling the story of awish for us to ponder. The Blue Fairy drops in, her wisdom obtuse. Pinocchio’s shorts distract and seduce.
Away to the backstage he flew like a flash, and back once again, quick as awhiplash. In glorious form in sequins and boots, a rap is performed to audience hoots. The Eye of the Tiger blasts dramatic and loud, while his version of My Neck, My Back does swing music proud. ‘‘You are so much more than your anatomy’’ is a truth wisely spoken and it’s clear George’s spirit is bent but not broken.
The costumes are glorious, the content so good. This real boy’s heart is not made of wood.
If you get to see it, please grab the chance. My face hurts from smiling, and my heart did a dance.
Then after a break, it’s off upstairs I go. To see the newest offering BATS had to show. The Slutcracker it was, by Salesi and Jean. It’s The Nutcracker but gay (if you know what Imean).
‘‘Now, Clyde! now, Joe! now, Mother Ginger and Co!
On, Sugar Plum Fairy! on, Rat King and Joe!
To the dance floor of Ivy, where the boys have a ball
Now dance away, dance away, dance away all.
To Courtenay Place, to the
fountain of buckets.
Clyde and Slutcracker Joe ... um ... do stuff.
Jake Brown is the lead, making yuletide gay. Performing maniacally, and in the best way. Dryw McArthur was The Slutcracker himself, a GI Joe personification of grace itself.
Andrew Paterson’s expressions were hilare and his tap-dancing moves bring even more flair. The rest of the cast, Felix, Georgia, Shay and Phase, are equally deserving of an audience’s praise.
The dancing was graceful, the acting sublime. My friend and I had a fantastic time. The costumes, the set, the talent and giggles. The music, the acting, the twerking butt jiggles.
Not a normal review, I apologise dear reader. But for both of these shows, I am a cheerleader.
In summary though, I do wish to write:
Diversity to all, and to all a good-night!