OBSERVER: & Juliet
Williamstown Musical Theatre Company presents a sensational interpretation of the jukebox musical & Juliet at the Altona City Theatre until November 21.
The show’s story becomes a play-within-a-play as William Shakespeare’s wife Anne Hathaway challenges the ending of his new draft of Romeo and Juliet, convincing William to allow Juliet to live and continue with her life. Anne creates her own character April to guide the action.
Taking an innovative approach, director Joel Anderson explains in the programme that he and his team imagined Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre as “having fallen underground, reclaimed and transformed into a rebellious cabaret club”.
Jem Sherwill’s fabulous orchestra fills the theatre with the toe-tapping pop anthems and Dylan Henry’s dynamic choreography is rendered in polished style by the talented cast.
WMTC have ‘pulled out all stops’ for this first-class show – set design/scenic artistry by Stuart Dodge, Mike Fletcher’s digital set design, Daniel Jow’s lighting design (speciality lighting by Jack Neill), sound designed by Marcello Lo Ricco (LSS Productions), splendid costumes designed by Louise Parsons and spectacular pyrotechnic effects – wow!
Leading the impressive cast of triple threat performers is Carla Venkataya, who delivers a consummate performance as Juliet. What an exciting future awaits Carla in musical theatre.
Tyson Legg is terrific as William Shakespeare and Rachel Rai commands the stage with her spirited characters Anne and April.
Mak Russel Gill portrays Juliet’s non-binary best friend May with a delightful presence, while Liz O’Hanlon (Juliet’s loyal nurse Angélique) and Mark Monroe (Lance) add comedic fun.
Strong performances are also enjoyed from Daniel Steer (Romeo), Harrison Vaughan (Francois) and the versatile Players, with special mention of Lacey Shattock’s lovely dancing.
The vocals and harmonies are beautiful and the show oozes entertainment from beginning to end.
Audiences are indeed fortunate to have the opportunity to see such high-quality theatre in the suburbs.
Congratulations Williamstown Musical Theatre Company.
Performance Details: Until November 21
Venue: Altona City Theatre, 115 Civic Parade, Altona.
Review by Cheryl Threadgold
Pictured: Carla Venkataya (Juliet) and Daniel Steer (Romeo) in & Juliet. Photo: Matthew Chen.