Oh What a Night

I got given a free ticket to the first performance of "Oh What A Night". Now, I'm a sucker for anything to do with the era of the 70s and so I had a reasonably good time listening to the music and watching the dancing, however, if I had paid $70 or $80 to see this show I would have been sorely disappointed. Granted it was opening night, but when I go to see such an expensive Burswood show I do not expect to witness technical mistakes (what was with the curtain guys? did i actually see technical crew struggling to wheel the band on stage???!! I was cringing in my seat!!!), dance moves going wrong and some really questionable performances. Sure it was a treat to watch the actor who plays Warren in the Virgin mobile ads (sorry his name eludes me right now) in an amusing extension of his popular advertisement character, but Kathy Sledge, who is being billed as the star of the show, left a lot to be desired. Yes, she has a lovely voice and i enjoyed watching her sing songs like "We Are Family”, but I couldn't believe how uncomfortable and awkward she looked on stage when it came to her 'acting'. Didn't she have an acting coach to help her out. I just don't expect to be laughing at someone’s performances when I see an $80 touring show! In terms of story and character I think it was probably the worst 'musical' I have seen conceived. And I have honestly seen amateur musicals at companies like Playlovers and Wanneroo Rep played with more conviction, professionalism and polish! I was at a loss to witness how ecstatic people were at the end of the show. Are people’s standards really that low? i will reiterate that I did enjoy the music, but it's not anything I couldn't listen to on a cd and I also think I was more allowing and accommodating because it was a free ticket. I seriously can't believe they have the nerve to charge so much. I mean, I'm sure the show will get tighter and snappier as the run goes along, but shouldn't it have already been at a presentable stage from the word go. C'mon, it wasn't their first ever performance in front of a live audience!

Cheers,
Wazza.