★★★★☆
Prepare to laugh out loud, kick your feet and howl with joy at Second Beat’s newest production, Gutenberg! The Musical! Playing for a limited time at Brisbane’s charming PIP Theatre, Gutenberg! The Musical! is a hilariously outlandish celebration of musical theatre and cheering on the underdogs.
The story follows wannabe composers Bud Davenport (Liam J.K) and Doug Simon (Daniel Kirkby) as they pitch their brand-new musical idea at a backer’s audition. Slightly inspired by the life of printing press inventor Johann Gutenberg, their story is an impressive dramatisation filled more with hilarious enthusiasm than with facts.
The musical’s writing and composing team, Scott Brown and Anthony King, were inspired to write Gutenberg! The Musical! based on the terrible experimental musicals they saw pitched while interning.
After a failed attempt at trying to create a musical about the printing press as a prank pitch for their boss, the pair grew an unexpected appreciation for how hard it is to make a musical, even a bad one.
Brown and King fleshed out the idea years later to include the eager and naïve creator characters, Bud and Doug, who bring an infectious joy to what could have been a very different and boring musical.
Of course, Scott Brown and Anthony King are now very well known for writing the book for Beetlejuice: The Musical, which premiered on Broadway in 2019 and is finishing its Brisbane season today.
Second Beat Productions is a proudly Brisbane-based independent company that is entirely dedicated to making their audiences smile and crack a laugh. They celebrate Brisbane’s diverse culture in their previous productions, Drag Queen Musical Story Hour and Thank God You’re Queer.
Second Beat’s production of Gutenberg! The Musical! is a show that’s impossible to walk away from without bursting into a fit of giggles.
Music direction by Rae Rose is undeniably impressive. Located in the back corner of the stage, Rose’s piano playing amidst the chaos around them is so accomplished it almost borders on the unbelievable. Only the look of deep focus and quick flips of the page reveal the remarkable amount of effort that comes from performing such a wide variety of styles.
Co-designers Liam J.K and Brigitte Bennet have brilliantly devised a production that lets imagination take the lead. The stage design and props are simple but immensely effective in embracing the wild and frenzied atmosphere of the show.
Just like their characters, co-directors and stars Liam J.K and Daniel Kirkby must juggle many hats to put this production together. Each aspect of the show is well thought out, with every detail timed precisely to pull off the best reaction.
Liam J.K’s portrayal of Bud is sweet and sincere. They have an amazing singing voice and can skilfully hold a note to the best effect.
The other half of this iconic duo, Daniel Kirkby brings a confident and goofy performance in their role as Doug. He also rocks some very groovy moves with great leg work.
While on stage, the pair expertly switch roles at lightning speed, from the famed Gutenberg and evil monk to the unknowingly beautiful Helvetica and the angry antisemitic flower girl. All the transitions happen with a change in hats and talented acting.
The musical’s full cast numbers are especially entertaining, as J.K and Kirkby balance a stack of baseball caps on their head while singing and dancing. Not to mention the hilarity of the chorus line of hats swinging by a piece of string.
Second Beat’s Gutenberg! The Musical! is a show jam-packed with inspiring stories, dedicated performances, and an abundance of hope. It’s guaranteed to be a night of uncontrollable laughter and heart-swelling enthusiasm.
Gutenberg! The Musical! is presented by Second Beat Productions and runs to 11 July at PIP Theatre. 20 Park Road Milton Qld 4064.
Tickets: https://piptheatre.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent
Website: https://piptheatre.org/gutenberg-the-musical/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/secondbeatproductions/ and https://www.instagram.com/piptheatreau/
Images supplied by Second Beat Productions
