Congratulations, Get Rich! is the latest triumph to hit the Sydney Theatre Company stage. A co-production with La Boite Theatre in Brisbane and the Singapore Repertory Theatre, this phenomenal production is a beautiful tribute to the power of love, legacy and song.
The story begins on the opening night of Mandy’s brand-new karaoke bar, Money Money Karaoke. The evening is off to a slow start, with a dire absence of patrons sending Mandy into a despair that even her supportive partner Xavier cannot seem to break her from.
Everything changes, though, when two mysterious women appear. The stakes are raised when Mandy realises they are her mother and grandmother, now returned as hungry ghosts. As secrets are revealed and loyalties are tested, the three women explore how it truly feels to live with the weight of family history.
Playwright and performer Merlynn Tong has crafted a stunning narrative, told with the perfect blend of comedy, poignant emotional beats and rich character work. Her words are beautifully brought to life by director Courtney Stewart. She has blended the characterisation and setting together seamlessly to carry audiences through the emotional journey.
From the very moment you step in the theatre, the incredible set and lighting design by James Lew and Gabriel Chan immediately transports you into the vibrant karaoke bar.
In particular, the television set into the back of the space has been imbued with a reflective quality that is used to tremendous haunting effect. The dynamic lighting changes facilitate the delightfully shocking transitions between the bar and surreal liminal spaces.
Music is a vital part of the storytelling in this performance. Composer & sound designer Guy Webster and music director Alex Van Den Broek have perfectly captured the karaoke bar energy while honing the powerful narrative beats of each song. I loved the background and insight these moments provided. The choreography alongside these songs is beautifully stylish, polished and attuned to the emotional needs of the story.
In every scene, the cast demonstrates their deep commitment to the story, enrapturing the audience with their performances. Writer Merlynn Tong performs as Mandy, and you can feel her deep personal and emotional connection to the story, from every line to every choice in physicality.
She is truly delightful to watch, not only how she owns her power when alone on stage, but also how she becomes the tether point between the other players.
Mandy’s partner, Xavier, is played by Zac Boulton, and he is the perfect supportive and charming counterpart. His comedic timing and earnestness perfectly contrast and complement the other characters.
Mandy’s mum and grandma (or Gma) are played by Seong Hui Xuan and Kimie Tsukakoshi, respectively. Independently, each has made beautifully rich character choices in emphasising the nuances of their relationship with both Mandy and each other.
It is beautiful to see the two discover that while they are mothers, they are also human and comprised of the same complex emotions and histories. Together, their physicality as hungry ghosts is amazing, a tremendously entertaining combination of humorous and haunting.
Congratulations, Get Rich! is an incredible narrative of discovering how to carry your family’s past while moving forward to define your own future. The stunning visuals, vocals and emotional pull make this performance a transformative experience. I highly recommend making the time to see this show while it haunts the Sydney Theatre Company stage!
Congratulations, Get Rich! is presented by Sydney Theatre Company, La Boite Theatre and Singapore Repertory Theatre. It runs to 14 December at the Wharf 1 Theatre, Wharf 4/5 Walsh Bay, Sydney.
Tickets: https://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/whats-on/productions/2025/congratulations-get-rich
Website: https://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/sydneytheatreco/ and https://www.instagram.com/laboitetheatre/
Photo credits: Prudence Upton
