Skirts

Following my review of SLAMS’ thoroughly enjoyable Suits for TP earlier this year, in which I had mentioned that I hoped the company’s next concert offering was “Skirts”, I was asked to review Skirts. 

Feeling somewhat responsible for the show’s fruition, I was more than happy to trek back to Bayswater to see how the show turned out… Okay, so I can’t take all the credit… apparently it had already been decided that “Skirts” would follow “Suits” and that my suggestion to do it was apparently a giggle to the committee who were yet to announce it at the time. My attempts to cash in on royalties and copyright didn’t go as hoped – but on the upside, I did get another night of fun, funky and favourite past hit tunes!

I don’t want to write this review as a comparison of the two shows, as ultimately they are two different shows and I’d like to reflect on Skirts as its own piece. However, I do want to point out that they largely followed the same formula. I would have liked to have seen a little more progression from Suits to Skirts to keep the concept fresh. As far as production values went, costumes were excellent across the board and appropriate to each depicted era or style. I would have liked to have seen more experimentation with the lighting design, and possibly an upgrade in the set – for which only a couch came out for interviews, as with Suits. Sound was generally okay, but I have the tiny gripe of performers with hand held microphones doing a lot of choreography and the balance of vocals suffering at times.

Skitrs opened with 80’s classic “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”. A perfect choice to set the mood for the night! It was sung with gusto and I really enjoyed the arrangement. The hosts, Ricky Dee and Johnny B started the night sharply dressed and provided a light commentary as the evening progressed. I think the boys warmed up after the first few songs, and then hit their stride with some cheeky innuendo that surprised the audience.

The four bands competing on the night were “The Swing Sisters”, a 40’s inspired jazz/ swing trio, “The Variations”, a four member ‘white-black original version of the supremes’ ,“Shazam!”, channeling the 70’s and 80’s and “Girl Power” …I’m sure we all know when that catch-phrase was coined!

The Swing Sisters were slick and consistent with delivery, tight harmonies and voices that complemented each other. They also injected just the right amount of humor into their movement and facial expressions. With numbers such as “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”, “Candyman”, and “Rum and Coca Cola”, they set a solid standard for the night. The Variations started off shakily – possibly opening night nerves – but settled into some nice Motown rhythms. I enjoyed numbers such as “The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in his Kiss)” and “My Guy”, but I would have been happy for them to substitute another non-music theatre hit for Hairspray’s “Welcome to the Sixties”… although I do appreciate that the song was thematically appropriate.

Shazam! were hilarious! Although not the most vocally confident of the groups, they very much captured the 80’s and everything we love about it! All of their song choices were perfect, highlighting everything from Madonna to Kylie to Bananarama, and I loved watching these girls’ inner dags shine – “It’s Raining Men” had me in stitches – well, all their numbers did! Girl Power on the other hand for me slightly missed the mark. As with the 80’s, there is so much to reference from the Nineties and early Naughties, and I think the girls overlooked comedy for choreography. The choreography was appropriate and together, but at times got in the way of the vocal delivery. With songs such as “Wannabe” and “Lady Marmalade”, costumes were great, and a shout out to whoever coordinated the corsets. I loved that “C’est La Vie”, by one hit wonder B*Witched got a look in – and this was the one song where Girl Power did go for the laughs, but… “Shackles” by Mary Mary? It was sung well, but I reckon an Atomic Kitten or All Saints, or even Bardot (anyone remember Pop-stars?) selection could have been gold!

Particularly within the 80’s and 90’s genres, I wanted a bit more guts! I understand that a lot of music theatre performers are more comfortable singing classically, but I wanted a couple of the solo melodies to rock out a bit more, let loose and give in to the genres they were singing!

The live band, led by Julia Roper, played solidly. I was pleased to see a majority of females on all instruments. I couldn’t help but note that only one member was a guy, and only for the fact that he was the only man on stage constantly throughout an otherwise all girl show, it would have been cool if he was a she… he played well though, and that’s what really counts!

Admittedly, my vote went to The Swing Sisters for the reasons I have mentioned above, but there was a lot to enjoy. I personally love the nostalgia associated with this style of concert and think that it is accessible to any audience member, as you can go along and just appreciate some good fun music. I’ll look forward to any other battles of bands at SLAMS to come. Should I suggest “T-shirts” next and you can have mixed bands? …yeah, okay, that was lame, but if you do it, I’m taking all the credit!!

On a side note – this reviewer implores all companies to include photos with names in the program. I know it’s a bit more work and room to be allowed for (I do understand as I’ve layed out a few in my time!), but it makes writing a review easier when you only know three of the cast.

Christian has performed in a wide variety of shows including, ‘The Lion’ and ‘The Tinman’ in productions of The Wizard of Oz, ‘Tommy’ in Annie Get Your Gun, ‘Nick’ in Fame, ‘Marius’ in Les Misérables, ‘Michael’ in The Witches of Eastwick and ‘Billy’ in Anything Goes in his home town, Geelong.

Since moving to Melbourne he has performed with Whitehorse Music Theatre in A Chorus Line as ‘Paul’ and as a ‘Wickersham Brother’ in Seussical. He was ‘Eddie’ in CLOC’s Blood Brothers, ‘Austin’ in I Love You Because with SHooSH! Productions and ‘Danny’ in PLOS’s Grease. Christian works as a graphic designer by day and is currently in rehearsals for Working which opens next week at Chapel off Chapel.