MUSICAL THEATRE
Book by Danny Rubin, Music and Lyrics by Tim Minchin
At Princess Theatre Melbourne until 7 April 2024
Reviewer: Kate Herbert
Stars: ***** (5)
This review is published only on this blog. I’ll present a radio review on Arts Weekly on 3MBS on Sat 10 Feb 2024. KH
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| Andy Karl, Aust. prod Groundhog Day The Musical. Photo Jeff Busby. |
Groundhog Day the Musical is an ebullient, frenetically paced, madly entertaining and funny musical adaptation of the classic 1993 movie starring Bill Murray. Every component in this production is inspired: from Tim Minchin’s songs, to Danny Rubin’s book, Matthew Warchus’s direction, the lead actors and support cast.
Andy Karl is exceptional in every way in the role of Phil Connors, the cynical and egotistical TV weatherman who resents his assignment to cover the eccentric Groundhog Day in the backwoods town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Every year, on February 2nd, these folksy townspeople celebrate the appearance of a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil. If Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter.
When a blizzard travels off its expected path into Punxsutawney and closes all the highways, Connors and his hopeful, cheerful producer, Rita (played with warmth and humour by Elise McCann), and cameraman, Larry (Kaya Byrne), are stuck in Punxsutawney overnight. Here begins Phil’s hellish reliving of that same day for months, perhaps even years. It is a splendidly absurd concept.
The repetition become comical, then desperate, fraught and nightmarish, but Phil still manages to remain a conniving jackass who abuses, cheats, ridicules and sneers at everyone, and uses his foreknowledge of the day’s events and people’s needs to take advantage of people and manipulate them, particularly Rita.
It’s odd to think of a story advancing when it is built on the repetition of the same day. Repetition is often criticised in stage productions, apart from reprises of songs. However, in this instance, it is the genius of the show; music, lyrics, story, stage action, choreography, dialogue, character interactions and the banal detail of Phil’s repeated day all cohere to create an effervescent, thrilling episodic narrative in which we witness Phil evolve from total jerk into a genuine and caring member of this simple community. This morality tale forces Phil to repeat his 24 hours until he becomes the man he never was.
Minchin's
music is celebratory and eclectic, and his songs cleverly advance the
story, illuminate characters and develop relationships. His lyrics are infused with black humour as is Danny Rubin’s dialogue in this narrative that is cunningly constructed for the stage. (Song list below)
Matthew Warchus's direction is remarkable, assured and always surprising. He dovetails vibrant pageantry and effusive choreography (Lizzi Gee) with comical, dialogue-based scenes, poignant character vignettes, quirky visual design (Rob Howell) that incorporates the cunning use of a miniature landscape and a flying car chase through suspended snow-covered houses. One remarkable element is the startling illusions by Paul Kieve in which Karl, as Phil, disappears and reappears in his repeated ‘suicide’ attempts.
Go see Groundhog Day the Musical, even if you are not familiar with the movie. It’s a rollicking, fun show with heart and a simple message: be kind.
By: Kate Herbert.
Cast
Andy Karl - Phil Connors
Elise McCann - Rita Hanson
Lays Byrne - Larry
Alison Whyte- Mrs Lancaster
Tim Wright - Ned Ryerson
Ashleigh Rubenaxch - Nancy
Conor Naylon - Gus
Connor Sweeney - Ralph
Matthew Hamilton - Sheriff
Afua Adjel - Debbie
Creative Team
Danny Rubin - Book
Tim Minchin -Music and Lyrics
Matthew Warchus- Director
Rob Howell - Scenic & Costume Design
Lizzi Gee - Choreography
Christopher Nightingale - music supervision orchestrations
Hugh Vanstone - Lighting Design
Simon Baker - Sound Design
Paul Kieve- Illusions
Andrzej Goulding- Video & Animation
Finn Campbell- additional movement
Campbell Young Assoc- Hair, Wigs & Make-up
Warwick Griffin - Assoc Director
SONG LIST
ACT ONE
- There Will Be Sun - Company
- Small Town, U.S.A. (Day 1) - Phil and Company
- February 2nd/There Will Be Sun - Rita and Company
- Small Town, U.S.A. (Day 2) - Phil and Company
- Punxsutawney Phil - Company
- February 2nd/ There Will Be Sun - Rita and Company
- Small Town, U.S.A. (Day 3) - Phil and Company
- Stuck - Phil and Healers
- Nobody Cares - Gus, Ralph, Phil and Company
- Philandering - Company
- One Day - Rita, Phil and Company
ACT TWO
- Playing Nancy - Nancy
- Hope - Phil and Company
- Everything About You - Phil
- If I Had My Time Again - Rita, Phil and Company
- Everything About You (Reprise) - Phil
- Philosopher - Phil and Company
- Night Will Come - Ned
- Philanthropy - Phli and Company
- Punxsutawney Rock - Piano Teacher and Company
- Seeing You - Phil, Rita and Company
- Dawn - Company
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