Saturday Night Fever, the musical debuted in London’s West End in 1998, with a book by Nan Knighton in collaboration with Arlene Phillips, Paul Nicholas and Robert Stigwood. However, long before the stage adaptation, Saturday Night Fever was a movie starring John Travolta and a chart-topping double album with music by The Bee Gees. Due to the adult themes in the story line, Saturday Night Fever was rated R when it was first released in 1977. The film opened in Australia in 1978, still rated R, with an edited PG version released a year later.
Growing up in the 70s everyone knew those iconic songs, the white suit with the black shirt, the dance moves and “that” walk. Many people knew the songs and owned the double album soundtrack without having even seen the movie due to the restricted rating. This was a gritty film, with heavy themes set in an era when disco was the thing. The music was the backdrop only – songs to be danced to, and provide the soundtrack, but never sung. The musical adaptation nearly twenty years later changed the context of these songs into a much bigger part of the narrative, requiring a cast of triple threats to sing and dance.
This latest production of Saturday Night Fever by Drew Anthony Creative maintains the authenticity of this work for those already familiar with the story, but brings a freshness that will appeal to a new audience,
Apart from a disco floor (provided by One Click Events) that is so stunning it deserves to be listed as a character itself, there are minimal props. Instead, projections on a large screen set each scene. Each projection is so brilliantly clear and detailed, they almost look real. These are more than just stagnant pictures. These images move – a train goes past, a traffic light changes colour. Each new scene immediately informs the audience of where the story is taking place before a single word has been spoken. These projections (production design by Drew Anthony and Screen Content by Aquizel Studios) have now set a new standard for stage projections.
The production is further enhanced by an outstanding lighting design by Jason Bovaird. The disco nightclub scenes are bold and bright, with an array of coloured lights and mirror balls. It’s a stark contrast from the darkness of the turmoil going on in the lives of these young people away from the frenetic pace of the disco. The lighting design beautifully highlights this contrast.
Audio design by Jordan Gibbs equally balances the contrast of the high energy of the noisy disco to the quietness outside.
Costume design by Dani Paxton perfectly brings the 70s disco era to life – the high-waisted, flared pants and that iconic white suit. Choreography by Suzi and Jamie Rolton recreates the disco era and is well executed by the cast. The small band (Anthony Chircop, Aaron Syrjanen, Kiera Rafferty and Daniel Puckey, also serving as Musical Director) masterfully bring these fabulous songs to life.
Leading the cast as Tony Manero is Ethan Churchill. Churchill delivers an outstanding performance, bringing plenty of likeable charm but a depth to his character who is ultimately looking for more in life. Regan Barber gives a confident and strong performance as Stephanie Mangano.
Izzi Green is extraordinary as Annette, showing her vocal prowess in ‘If I Can’t Have You’.
Seasoned performers Chelsea Plumley and George Kapinaris bring their wisdom and expertise to their portrayals of Flo and Frank Manero, balancing the complexity of parenting, marriage and traditional values in a changing world. There is a good amount of warmth and humour peppered through the scenes to balance out some of the heavier and uncomfortable moments.
Matthew Casamento is excellent as Frank Jnr.
Sam Hamilton is outstanding as Bobby C and his performance of ‘Tragedy” is heartbreaking.
Rounding out this strong cast are Dimitri Raptis and Ewan Herdman as Tony Manero’s friends, along with Nightclub Singers Bianca Baykara, Clara Harrison and Thalia Osegueda Santos.
Director Drew Anthony has remained true to the 70s era and while giving it a certain freshness, finding the moments of warmth and humour without watering down the heavier themes. Fans of the original film – and who fondly remember the soundtrack of their youth – will not be disappointed. Saturday Night Fever remains a challenging story, with confronting themes that will still resonate with a modern audience. However, there is also plenty within Saturday Night Fever to enjoy and entertain.
Saturday Night Fever is now playing at the Athenaeum Theatre in Melbourne’s East End Theatre District,
For more details https://www.drewanthonycreative.com.au/saturday-night-fever
Photo credit: Ben Fon
