Rockin Robin New Youth Theatre Rock Musical

ROCKIN’ ROBIN Moncrieff Theatre, Bundaberg Written by Judith Prior Directed and Choreographed by Dianne McLellan Rockin’ Robin – rocked. This latest musical play written by playwright Judith Prior, a well-known name in theatrical circles in Australia and New Zealand writes plays, theatre restaurant and pantomimes, had its World Premier in Bundaberg, Queensland on March 13 and lived up to all the expectations of it’s title. Rockin’ Robin is about two high school drama students, participating in a play, who are transported back in time due to an electrical fault on the set. The songs selected for Rockin’ Robin, all with the approval of APRA, included popular songs like Horror Movie, Locomotion, Puppet on a String, Rock Around the Clock and many more as well as the final toe-tapping, Rockin’ Robin. All were exceptionally conceived by choreographer Dianne McLellan and the cast showed energy and vitality throughout. An exceptional performance was given by Lance Sisiolo as Little John. This 17 year old young man from the Solomon Islands gave an outstanding performance and showed his dramatic and vocal talent to its best. Johnny Be Good would have to be the show-stopper. This reviewer also attended the evening performance where Little John was played by Ben Greco. This young actor shows loads of potential and even though his performance of Little John was not as strong as Lance Sisolo’s performance, due mainly to the racing of his dialogue, it showed that this young man if given the right training could excel in dance, song and acting all of which are important for the theatrical future he told me he wishes to pursue. Ben also played the role of Frankie in the first couple of scenes. It would have been nice to see some of the characters doubled up in roles as the Sheriff of Nottingham could quite easily have been played by Frankie. Natasha Window as Madelaine, the lead female, reminded me so much of a teenage Nicole Kidman. Her eyes sparkled throughout and they almost spoke to you as she delivered her dialogue. She handled the entire script with detail and was on stage for much of the running time. The actors for the production were called in an open audition and attracted talent from many schools, dance schools, theatre groups and drama classes. Other actors that showed promise were Stipe Drinovac as William, Briony West as Elvira and Samuel Campbell as the Sheriff of Nottingham. It was unfortunate to see some actors shouting their lines on stage which only makes it more difficult for the audience to understand what they say. What is needed is projection of the voice. Sets were simple and adequate for the production. Painted backdrops gave a good indication of Sherwood Forest and the Fair scenes. The Sorcerer’s Grotto set remained downstage right, for the entire production and helped in fast scene changes throughout. Costumes were bright and colorful, some supplied by the Harristown High School, Toowoomba from their Rock Eisteddfod. Judith Prior made the costumes for the principals. It was nice to see the make-up was not overdone as can sometimes be the case on youth performers. David Spicer commented when he came to Bundaberg for a preview that “Rockin’ Robin is designed especially for youth performers and high schools” (Bugle News Feb 22, 2008) Judith Prior must be congratulated on writing a very fast moving, well, structured musical play which will be an asset for schools or theatre companies with youth theatres to perform. Even though this production had a large cast of around 50 the entire production could be staged with the Principals and a smaller chorus of around 10. It’s amazing what can be achieved when a community joins forces to create a positive image and stage experience for their actors of the future. Rockin’ Robin is a sure-fire hit for family entertainment. Graham V Rushton Stage Whispers Performing Arts Magazine Bundaberg/Burnett Region reviewer