MELBOURNE FRINGE 2008
Set ListShaolin Punk
4 October 2008
Trades Hall
Set List is one of three improvised musical shows at this Fringe
(that I know of). It has
a fresh and enthusiastic, Micky and Judy, “let’s put on a show” feel about it,
but needs to go back to the barn for a some more development
Set List is described as a band
that “revels
in the nuances, characters and stories behind one genre of music – with every
note and lyric made up from audience suggestions”. This show was jazz – of the cheap motel, lounge act variety.
The Set List crew are all undeniably talented and extremely
likable performers. Highlights
such as “You make me feel so nauseous”, the ballad about Sean the
Anthropologist and the vocal musings about the devil’s condiment, prove the potential
for a terrific show, but this performance felt so unprepared.
The ongoing
success of shows like the wonderful Spontaneous
Broadway is based on intense rehearsal, perfect characters and an obsessive
knowledge of (and love for) the genre they are parodying. The Set List characters were very unclear
(apart from Ben McKenzie’s band leader) and their stories could have applied to
any band that happened to be perpetually touring the world (and not aging) for
the last 40 years.
It is uncomfortable
to watch performers break character and joke with each other. Even more so to
watch them compete against each other, try to upstage (you know who you are) and
– it really looked and felt like – bicker with each other. The onstage
characters weren’t defined or developed enough to behave like that; it was
clear what was character and what was performer.
Finally – I
may just be being obsessive and picky, but if you are promoting your show as a
completely improvised set list – DON’T tape the typed and organised set list in
clear view of the audience. It kind of destroys the mystery.
This review appeared on AussieTheatre.com
