RIOTOUS laughter, hoots and a standing ovation were the order of the evening on Friday night as Gutenberg! The Musical took to The Shed stage for Wonthaggi Theatrical Group.
Under the direction of Joel Stevenson, Gutenberg! is nothing short of a riotous delight. At its heart is a musical comedy about two aspiring but minimally talented writers, Bud Davenport and Doug Simon, who present their ambitious Broadway musical about Johannes Gutenberg at a backer's audition.
Set in the medieval German town of Schlimmer and based on their wildly fictionalised version of Gutenberg’s life, a wine presser who invented the printing press, the musical has characters galore, all brought to life by just the two writers themselves.
Played strictly by Bud and Doug themselves, with a spectacular array of hats, the performance is chaotic, at times delightfully irreverent (and occasionally inappropriate for younger audiences). There are moments of both sniggers and belly laughs from the audience, especially during the off-hand comments, some of which only the musical can get away with… Tylenol anyone…
Jay Nelson shines as Doug Simon and Jonah van Stekelenburg as Bud Davenport, who are an absolute hoot. The way in which the duo have worked with Joel to build their characters, seamlessly switching between male and female roles (with a tongue-in-cheek disclaimer to female actors, do not fret), is simply brilliant. The pair deserve high praise for a wonderfully entertaining performance.
And whilst this scribe suspects there may have been an unscripted moment, both Jay and Jonah must be applauded for their quick-witted improvisation, turning the slip into an extra laugh that left the audience even more delighted.
Of course, no production succeeds without those who work hard behind the scenes. Orla McCarty (director’s assistant and stage manager), Mark Harrison (technical director), Kerryn Lockhart (musical director – vocals), Malcolm McCaffery (musical director – band) and Linda Hamilton (production manager) deserve recognition, along with Tad Hendry (set design), Mayumi McPhee (costume design), and the dozen other talented WTG production team members responsible for lighting, hair and make-up, publicity, front of house, and sound design. Well done to all.
Speaking after the performance, musical director (band) Malcolm McCaffery reflected on the fantastic experience, also taking on the role of MD.
“The people are so friendly, and having the opportunity to MD with WTG has been great. It’s a good, fun, simple show,” McCaffery said, adding he enjoyed travelling from Warragul to be a part of it.
The band of three, made up of Malcolm McCaffery (keys one), Xander Beach (keys two) and Anthony Gardner (percussion), were spot on, and hats off also to Anthony for travelling from Moe to be a part of it.
For director Joel, the energy in the room on opening night was everything he had hoped for.
“I was absolutely thrilled with the audience response to the show, and with the incredible performances from both Jay and Jonah,” Joel stated to the Sentinel-Times.
“I'm incredibly proud of the production we have created together, and am so thankful to Wonthaggi Theatrical Group for their trust in me, and everyone who has been involved in bringing the show to the stage.”
Tickets are still available for performances this weekend and next – head to trybooking.com/events/landing/1450514.
You won't be disappointed, as the program cover says "Gutenberg! The (best) musical (ever)!"
