When the lights go down

‘When the Lights go Down’ was written by East Fremantle resident, Kathleen Uhlmann. It is a 110-minute show that combines the styles of contemporary musical favourites with the big band sound. When you hear the words ‘It’s Showtime!’ don’t think of Jack Nicholson taking off the Johnny Carson Show in ‘The Shining’, but instead expect a glitzy show of song and dance.

This all-new musical is presented by Phoenix Theatre Inc. and Dark Psychic Productions at the Phoenix Theatre, Memorial Hall, 435 Carrington Street, Hamilton Hill, at 8.00 pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights until 9^th November. There are matinees on Sunday 3^rd and Saturday 9^th November at 2.00 pm.

The seating is cabaret style with tables of four, food and drinks are available at sensible prices.

         As you enter ‘La Lumiere Rouge’, Las Vegas’s latest sumptuously decorated, cabaret club; there is a warm welcome from the maître de (Emma Muller) who, like all of the other club staff, is dressed in a stunning basque and bling. She signals to her attractive waitresses (Lisa Bruce, Jess Byrum) and I am shown to my table.

        The lights dim and we join the club’s cast on the final run of their new show that opens in five hours. A trio (Sylvia Mellor, Jayde Clark, Sara Urban), reminiscent of the Andrews Sisters, chants a warm welcoming number; then, onto the stage strolls Madeline (Angela Scaturro), the show’s leading lady, who is rehearsing a tricky number. From the wings storms furious Connard (Peter Neaves), who co-owns the club with his wife Chienne (Lisa Camarda). After a brief argument, he tells Madeline that she is rubbish, sacks her and gives the star lead to Angel (Allira Humberstone).

        We are transported to back stage where we hear leggy dancer, Louise (Kate Lloyd) and her partner, powerful singer, Philippe (Glenn Scott) discussing their horror at the happenings.

        Angel is panic stricken at being thrown into the deep end and seeks assurance from two other talented stars of the show, Luc (Anthony Smith) and Emily (Maree Andersen). However, the show must go on, so the wardrobe mistress (Sheryl Gale) checks the dancers’ sequined costumes, and stage manager, Tommy (Shaun Griffin) ushers the dancers into the wings ready for the opening number.

        After a romantic masked dance performed by Lily (Jerry Bates) and Tyler (James Buckland), the hoofers (Gabi Guidone, Chris Doney, Rayelene Chin, Ryan S. McNally, Chris Northover, and Laila Martin) rock the stage with their lively chorus and bopping.

        What the Club punters see is far from the turmoil backstage. 

Scriptwriter, Kathleen Uhlmann, has had her turn at teching and recently appeared in Dark Psychic’s last major production, now she turns her hand to directing. Along with the show’s excellent choreographer, Renae Jones, there is plenty of interesting movement combined with the pandemonium one would expect to find backstage.

In an amateur chorus line there is often one person who doesn’t quite manage the pace and tricky steps, but here the whole team smiled and performed very well throughout.

The colourful programme, designed by Shaun Griffin, is one of the best I have seen this year.

The costumes sourced or made by Sheryl Gale and Ryan McNally were stunning; from the powder blue, satin dresses of the trio, to the sexy and exotic corsets and frills of the dancers.

I saw the final rehearsal, and the lighting crew (Paul Robinson, Steven Long) – having just moved into the venue - were still trying to establish their cue list and conquer the headset microphones, but as the show progressed everything started to pull together.

As well as the recorded backing track, the live Club Band (Imajad) added life and gave the well-balanced, catchy tunes that personal touch. The musicians were Aranea – lead vocals, Brett – bass, Taviri – guitar and Naomi – drums.

This is an ambitious play that has mixed cast, from WAAPA students to first time performers; they all put every ounce of effort into the show.