The temperature is definitely rising in Melbourne, and a fever has hit the city centre! Saturday Night Fever is here, so lace up those chunky heels, get those big do’s done, and head on down to The Athenaeum Theatre to join in on the groovalicious disco dancing fun.
Drew Anthony Creative has put together an absolutely brilliant production, and you will be entertained by the glistening of every mirror in the spinning disco ball. The talent on stage is just outta sight, and the tracks in the mix are all killer jams. Led primarily by The Bee Gees, other chart-topping hits include songs from Yvone Elliman, The Trammps, Kool & the Gang, KC and the Sunshine Band.
Transporting you back to the 1970s where bell bottoms and flares, wide collars and big sunglasses were all the rage, you will want to bust a move in the aisles and funk it up into the evening after seeing this addictive production. It will leave you wanting more!
Based on the 1977 film Saturday Night Fever, this musical shines a spotlight on dance, social pressures and the culture of the time. We follow 19-year-old Tony Manero (Ethan Churchill), who is struggling with the direction of his mundane day-to-day life. He’s facing issues within his family, and his friends are battling their issues too.
His mother Flo (Chelsea Plumley) is a deeply religious Italian-American, proud of her oldest son, Frank Jr (Matthew Casamento), who is studying for the priesthood. Believing heavily in respect, rules and duty, she puts a lot of pressure on her sons and daughter, Linda (Amileya Moro), as to who they should be.
Often arguing with her husband Frank (George Kapiniaris) at the dinner table, he is angry and bitter after losing his job and expects obedience from his family. Prone to excessive drinking, it is explained that he also has violent outbursts and has been physically abusive.
Tony’s boys crew include the troubled Bobby C (Sam Hamilton) who is trying to come to terms with his girlfriend’s pregnancy. His best friend Double J (Dimitri Raptis) is full of humour as he tries to don a streetwise image and act tough. And the loyal Joey (Ewan Herdman) shows us that the need to belong can lead you into a difficult situation.
On Saturday nights, they all look forward to feeling alive and free at the disco. They dance the night away on the floor where Tony knows he can be confident and admired. Attracting the attention of many young women, he faces the unwanted affections of Annette (Izzi Green). But it’s the alluring and ambitious Stephanie (Regan Barber) who has caught his eye as more than just a dance partner.
As they prepare for a big disco dancing competition, the friendships, choices and consequences are all heightened and challenged. In music, dance and heartbreak, this story is told with charm and sparkle.
Leading the troupe and setting the dance floor ablaze is Ethan Churchill as Tony Manero. He has all the moves, the charisma, the shine and of course, the hair! Churchill is like a firestick at a night rave, energising the crowd and headlining an electrifying mob with his dynamite dancing and powerful portrayal of such an iconic character.
Paired with the foxy Regan Barber as Stephanie Mangano, they have a natural chemistry that showcases moments of love with delicate beauty. Barber’s vocals will leave you breathless. She sings each note with passion and power, and delivers her character with inner respect and grace.
Izzi Green conveys so many emotions as Annette, and you empathise with the rollercoaster of feelings she experiences. Her crystal-clear vocals carry every word she sings perfectly.
Chelsea Plumley governs her family, with her portrayal of Flo depicting strength despite the setbacks. She is gutsy and earnest, showing sincerity in her scenes.
Frank, played by the talented George Kapiniaris, had the full house’s applause, bringing honesty to his role with notable command. His assertive behaviour and confidence contrast nicely with the innocence of Amileya Moro as Linda. Moro displays courage and fun in her character, a sweet shadow of her determined on-stage mother.
Thrown into this Manero mix is Matthew Casamento, playing Frank Jr. He has a calm warmth and care as he arrives home after leaving the priesthood. Scenes between the two brothers allows Churchill and Casamento to highlight their opposite personalities. Yet they also share their sibling love and support for one another with a playful bond.
Tony and his crew bring amazing harmonies to the stage and would have given The Jackson 5 a run for their money! Sam Hamilton as Bobby C leaves the dance floor shaking in a powerful and captivating performance.
Dimitri Raptis playing Double J is suave and swish, and boy, can he bust a move! Ewan Herman as Joey captures a fun-loving and cheeky persona, whilst delivering every move, note and line with strong precision, flair and exciting execution.
When thinking about this production, two standout solos come to mind that left me with a powerful image captured under that spotlight. These are If I Can’t Have You, performed by Izzi Green, and First and Last / Tragedy sung by Sam Hamilton. Perfected brilliance!
The duet, How Deep Is Your Love, performed by Ethan Churchill and Regan Barber, is a gorgeous finale. And of course, the dancing throughout the show, choreographed by Suzi and Jamie Rolton, is a most brilliant highlight.
Phenomenal vocals in trio Bianca Baykara, Clara Harrison and Thalia Osegueda Santos will have you looking forward to each scene transition and every moment as they take to the stage together.
Projections are definitely on point in this production. As you enter the theatre, a giant impressive television showcasing news snippets from the time gets you all set. There are also intricately designed cafes, a basketball court, a warm dining room, detailed streets, moving cityscapes and starry nights you can only dream of that take you on this fabulous journey.
Drew Anthony Creative’s production of Saturday Night Fever is boss! It’s a masterful musical, celebrated with a live band led by the vibrantly talented Daniel Puckey. If you’re looking for entertainment, this show is that word! And as those disco lights rotate across the audience and into the ceiling, it will leave you with a memory filled with groove and boogie. One that you can carry with happiness for a lifetime.
Saturday Night Fever runs to 25 January at the Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins Street Melbourne Vic 3000.
Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/saturday-night-fever-tickets/artist/844061
Website: https://www.drewanthonycreative.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/drewanthonycreative/
Photo credits: Ben Fon
