Review: Your Song
Your Song is the perfect post-lockdown show, with a deceptively simple format. Take four musical theatre stars, add a three-piece live band, and introduce some of Elton John’s biggest hits with a smattering of memories linked to each song. Fortunately for the April 2021 Judith Wright audience, The Little Red Company has an established track record in creating productions that blend popular music with personal memories—and even films (think Christmas Actually, Lady Beatle, and Rumour Has It). Feel good shows with a great soundtrack—and just the right blend of musical talent, passion, and humour … with a tiny sprinkling of heartbreak. Your Song is definitely another winner for this experienced creative team.
Don’t expect to see a tribute band, as this show is so much more than a re-creation of familiar material. Your Song is a special reimagining of many of the megastar’s major hits, where the verbatim stories are used to bring familiar songs to life. Inviting people to share memories associated with Elton John’s music must have brought a torrent of recollections. Congratulations to the team for pulling together a blend of highs, lows, and humorous moments, where each story proved to be a great segue to the next song.
The cast were terrific. Andy Cook, conjuring his inner Freddie Mercury, was particularly memorable in his Crocodile Rock, which was poignant and great fun. Marcus Corowa really did bring soul to the show, especially with a guitar in his hand, and rocked the Dodgers/feather combo. Luke Kennedy is a great performer, and I particularly loved his Daniel; it's amazing how a talented musical performer can ensure that every word counts. Irena Lysiuk had some marvellous moments in the show—from the humour of the ukulele-playing girlfriend and Tiny Dancer rollerblading bride, through to the poignant introduction to an excellent Sorry seems to be the hardest word.
And isn’t it great to experience live music again! Michael Manikus gave a stellar performance on keys, supported by Mik Easterman (drums), and OJ Newcomb (bass). Thanks to great sound design, I could hear every word of the songs, and my ears didn’t ring as I left the theatre.
So… YES. This is a great show to entice friends and family back to live performance; a deft blending of big hits, sparkle, personal memories, live music, and four great vocalists. Your Song is a funny (but occasionally sad), rock-show-meets-musical-theatre run through of the soundtrack to many special moments. Definitely one to take your Mum to, or enjoy with a group of friends.
Verdict: A perfect gift for Mother’s Day—and a great show to enjoy with friends.
Audience tip: World Premiere season at the Judith Wright Centre, 22 Apr-1 May 2021 (7:30pm, plus 3pm Saturday only matinees). 90 minutes. All ages. Cabaret tables and raked seating—where any seat in the house gives you a great experience. Tickets $59 plus transaction fee. Selling fast, with best availability now for the Saturday 1 May 3pm matinee, If you can’t get tickets, why not consider The Little Red Company’s Rumour Has It, which returns to QPAC on 17 June 2021.
The reviewer attended the Saturday 24 April 2021 matinee, when the Auslan interpretation of the performance was a definite bonus!
A version of this review also appeared on the IMHO website.