OBSERVER: Meow Meow
Meow Meow’s The Red Shoes is a hilarious deconstruction of Hans Christian Andersen’s (in)famous fairy tale. The third in a trilogy of Meow Meow adaptations of Andersen tales, this co-production with Belvoir and Black Swan State Theatre Company is a creatively shambolic entertainment that amuses and bedazzles.
A world-weary chanteuse drags herself off the floor for one more ‘final’ performance. Like the girl in the fairy tale who is first entranced then enslaved by the shoes, the chanteuse (a thinly-disguised Meow Meow herself) is entranced yet enslaved by the smell of the greasepaint and roar of the crowds.
Created by Meow Meow, the show is an eclectic mix of cabaret, vaudeville and burlesque styles. Songs, original and otherwise, are sung with accompaniment from a trio of musicians. Meanwhile, in between songs, the bare bones of the fairy tale are told or, often more interestingly, there are the discursive philosophical and reflective ramblings of the chanteuse. One minute she despairs about the dire sorrowful state of the world, the next she is wondering what to have for dinner.
The star of the show is Meow Meow but she has four marvellous performers supporting her – Kanen Breen, Mark Jones, Dan Witton and Jethro Woodward. They act, dance, sing and/or play music, often acting as comic foils to the star of the show. And what a supernova of a star she is. Meow Meow is a consummate performer, blessed with many talents and The Red Shoes is a vehicle which highlights those talents in a dynamic scintillating fashion.
Equally significant is the work of director Kate Champion and musical director Jethro Woodward who have skilfully shaped the show and created a decadent banquet for the eyes and ears. A wonderful artistic chemistry between Champion, Woodward and Meow is clearly evident. The net result of this chemistry is a mesmerising show that always entertains despite its occasional end-of-days foreboding tone.
Venue: Merlyn Theatre, Malthouse, 113 Sturt St, Southbank
Dates and times: Until Dec 6 at 7.30pm
Duration: 75 minutes
Tickets: $55-95
Bookings: tickets.malthousetheatre.
com.au/production/9390
Review by Peter Murphy