BadGirls? ****1/2

‘BadGirls?’ a new musical devised by Melinda Dunbar as part of the Brainbox Project, is showing at ‘Downstairs at the Maj’ in Perth, each evening at 7.30pm until Saturday 26^th June. This 150-seat venue has cabaret seating with light refreshments available.

Writer and choreographer, Melinda Dunbar, has written a fairly basic story which has been heard before, but has then carefully selected 17 songs (plus one other by musical director Tim Cunniffe) from Broadway shows to fit her story text. Complimented by the choice of three beautiful voices has produced one of the most enjoyable and quality filled musicals that I have seen in Perth for some time.

Felicity (Analisa Bell), a frumpy, naïve girl who has had a strict and loveless upbringing, is sitting in a bar when Narelle (Devon Plumley) a ‘jaded tart’ starts to sing. The two chat and are joined by Monica (Larissa Gallagher – Mozart Faction) a wealthy business executive. They compare life stories.

James Brookes' direction, considering the limitations of the venue’s lights and scenery, has done a wonderful job. There are two acts of 40 minutes each and the time just flew as the songs bounced along. James even had the girls singing in their own characters with raunchy Narelle seducing all in sight and Felicity being the bubbly and bright songstress.

The three performers’ voices were in perfect harmony, clear enunciation and the songs sung with feeling. Devon’s voice was like crystal, she could sing with power or quietly managing at least a couple of octaves comfortably. Unlike her fellow Australian Idol finalists, thankfully she didn’t have that annoying nasal presentation that so many singers have nowadays.

The arrangement of the music for the trio (Pete Jeavons, Haans Drieberg and Tim Cunniffe) was superb, although I thought a touch too loud, and this caused one of the singers - who although hitting the notes perfectly - to struggle to get enough power in the higher range to be heard over the accompaniment.

A wonderful and effervescent night out. Congratulations.