OBSERVER: We Will Rock You


The opening announcement boomed: “The time has come to rock!” And PLOS Musical Productions sure did rock Frankston with their splendid show We Will Rock You at the Frankston Arts Centre.
We Will Rock You is set 300 years in the dystopian future when Planet Earth has been renamed the iPlanet, controlled by the Globalsoft Corporation and where rock music is banned.
The creative professionalism of director/scenic designer Paul Watson, musical director Nathan Firmin and his terrific band recreating Queen’s iconic sound, the innovative, sharp choreography by Venessa Paech, stunning lighting from Ian Scott and impressive sound design by Patrick Edwards and Steve Cooke, merged with an outstanding cast to deliver a rock musical treat for appreciative audiences.
Watson’s first-class casting of this show included Duane McGregor as music-loving ‘dreamer’ Galileo, who wants to make music rather than program it.
Capturing the humility of his student ‘outsider’ character, McGregor commanded the stage with his presence and, with pocket rocket dynamo Martika Cetinich who excelled playing opposite McGregor as Scaramouche, shared some great vocals.
Gemma Purdy (Oz) and Robbie Wilton (Brit) oozed energy with their enjoyable performances as the Bohemians.
Shenae Thomas-Williams was powerful as Killer Queen, the sinister head of Globalsoft, and Mark Judd skilfully portrayed Killer Queen’s authoritarian offsider Khashoggi.
A talented, multi-role-playing ensemble of musical theatre performers completed the cast. Hats off also to Brett Wingfield for his eclectic mix of costume designs and also to resident director James Owen for directing rehearsals during Paul Watson’s South East Asia tour of Wicked.
It was so good to see tiered generations at this show having a ball, clapping, singing and giving a well-deserved standing ovation to performers.
PLOS Musical Productions continues to bring quality entertainment to the Frankston stage with The Wizard of Oz scheduled from December 31, to January 10 at the Frankston Arts Centre.
Bookings are now open. Visit plos.asn.au
Congratulations PLOS Musical Productions.
Review by Cheryl Threadgold