Class of 77

Boroondara Theatre Company’s (BTC) latest offering, the David Hines musical Class Of 77, is a blast from the past that is sure to entertain audiences across Melbourne. Its mixture of emerging talent and company stalwarts provides just the right balance to captivate audiences and give them promise of things to come within the season.

In fact the BTC appears to be bursting with talent, as Jessica Miller, Amy Prause, Sean Pocock, and Tyler Delacretaz are all truly captivating amongst the younger cast. All are not quite the ‘triple-threat’ package just yet, but they more than do Hines’s Class Of 77 justice.

Both Sean Pocock and Jessica Miller, in the leads of ‘Michael’ and ‘Jenny’, display great emotional depth and help set up the story’s turning point and conclusion carried out by the older ‘Michael’ (Jenter Zilm) and ‘Jenny’ (Noni Garratt). The seamless transfer between cast members speaks highly of the entire production. Jenter and Noni handle their respective roles with apparent ease. Both are excellent singers and have a warm and inviting stage presence. Their emotional vulnerability provides one of the plays truly moving moments.

Tyler Delacretaz (Bruce) and Amy Prause (Linda) are two utterly intriguing performers. Tyler’s vocal range is surprising, as is Amy’s take on the character of the free-spirited ‘Linda’, which could have so easily of fallen into a bland stereotype. The two combine to give a performance that questions why Hines does not carry through with a parallel plot line to the story of Michael and Jenny. For both Scott Reid (Older Bruce) and Sarah Trachtenberg (Older Linda), dialogue is both flighty and fleeting and they were almost drowned out within the number ‘You Can’t Stay Young’.

The production values of BTC’s Class Of 77 are a real mixed bag. The live band, however, is most certainly a winner. It surely adds another dimension to the storytelling, particularly as Musical Director Malcolm Fawcett not only conducts the band but steps onto stage in the role of ‘Older Sven’.

Apart from a Torana being brought onto the stage, the set is minimalistic and quite clever, not to mention well handle by the crew. The Schoolyard, Physics Lab, and Workshop are all represented efficiently and effectively, however the set could be further supported by the lighting, which has the occasional ‘dead spot’ and out of place red and blue washes. This I’m sure will improve throughout the run.

Helping to support storyline of Michael and Jenny is the musical’s comic relief plot, which almost steals the show in itself as ‘Young Sue’ (Hannah Neeson) and her ‘Beauties’ attempt to snag a deal with ‘Adam’ (Shane Hunt) and his hilarious crew of ‘Rev-Heads’.

Shane Hunt, Daniel Solomon, and Daniel Kim (as ‘Adam’, ‘Greg’, and ‘Brian’) almost bring down the house with their performance of ‘Me and My Torana’, which was a clear winner with the audience. All three prove themselves to be dab hands at comedy, and each brings their own unique comedic style, the combination of which brings tremendous effect. Daniel Kim handles the role of Brian superbly. Instead of isolating Brian’s homosexuality the play parodies the slightly homoerotic nature behind male culture.

Each of these characters transform within the second half to offer Hines’s insightful comments on society: from the measure of success to acceptance. They are somewhat underwritten as Hines wants the audience to focus back on the story of Michael and Jenny.

Another unique tool by the author is the characters of ‘Kevin’ and ‘Sven’. Both the nerd and the Swedish student are used to have Hines illustrate schoolyard bullying and ‘the Australian culture’. Both Steven Kent (Kevin) and Matthew Cocks (Young Sven) give their best in these roles, and help to bring life to these literary agents with some success. Of particular note is Steven Kent’s performance in ‘Look How Far We’ve Come’. The faux tap-dancing and hat and cane routine definitely brings out a smile from the most stoical of audience goers.

Director Kristine Petkovska has excelled in bringing together an entertaining piece of theatre. I strongly recommend catching the 48 tram and hoping out at stop 44, strolling over to the Kew Renaissance Theatre, and checking out Boroondara Theatre Company’s latest offering. This show is definitely something for all to enjoy.

Andrew is a performer now based in Melbourne. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Acting for the Screen and Stage; an Honours in Drama and Theatre Studies; and, a Graduate Diploma of Education. Andrew has enjoyed a relative extensive performance experience: touring theatre in education and other productions across Australia and performing in many of Melbourne’s theatre venues in a variety of roles from lighting to acting.