An Ingenious Masterpiece Worth Being Stuck in a Time Loop For
(original image from https://groundhogday.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/groundhog-day.jpg)
Following the triumphant run on Broadway and West End, Groundhog Day the musical finally makes its spectacular déjà vu debut and season in the exclusive limited Australian season at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre.
Groundhog Day the musical is a clever and seamless adaptation based on the 1993 comedic film of the same name. It tells the story of an arrogant and cynical weatherman Phil Connors who finds himself trapped in a time loop, reliving the same day repeatedly in small town Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. It is a story of self-discovery, redemption, lessons of love and compassion, grabbing life by its horns, living in the moment and appreciating the beauty in the small mundane things in every day life.
With charming, playful music and witty lyrics by Tim Minchin and book written by the brilliant Danny Rubin (who co-wrote the original screenplay with the late Harold Ramis), the musical, while it captures and honours the essence of the original film, reimagines and revamps the story for the vibrant stage.
Thanks to the ingenious mind of Tim Minchin, audiences experiences a breath of fresh and chaotically wonderful flair, making this a genuinely unique experience at the theatre. By incorporating a wide variety of musical genres and styles – from rock to pop; jazz to folk; ballads to duets to polyphonies (to name a few), Minchin leaves no musical stones unturned; adding depth, humour and heart to the story and characters – resulting an extraordinarily dynamic show that stands out from other musicals and stage productions.
Complementing the music and lyrics are the performances by the stellar cast. Words simply cannot describe this enchantingly talented cast; with each actor bringing complexity and charm to their characters, adding layers and dimensions to the production.
Leading the cast as protagonist Phil Connors is Olivier Award winner and three-time Tony nominee Andy Karl. The triple threat Jedi master of musical theatre, Andy brings the perfect blend of heart-felt authenticity, soulful finesse, and surgical precision to his performance. There are no words that would do justice to his performance – it is simply pure musical theatre force wizardry. His impeccable vocals (especially during Hope) flawlessly balance the dramatic and comedic elements of the scene. His performance invigorates the audiences’ senses and infectiously captivating our emotions from the very moment he steps onto the stage to the final moment the curtain closes.
Completing the musical royal flush pairing is Helpmann Award winner Elise McCann as Rita Hanson. She brings a beautiful poise of empowerment and vulnerability to the character with her versatility and enthralling vocals which encapsulate the audience into a musical trance. Her rendition of One Day perhaps is one that would resonate with many. The way she performs the song is absolutely spot-on. There is humour in the song but at the same time, there is a sense of uncertainty, sadness, yearn but also content on relationships all rolled into one. Her vocals truly captures the nuance and complex emotions of an individual who’s happily-single-but-kind-of-looking-but-also-is-not-really-looking.
Andy and Elise are a force to be reckoned with. Their chemistry on stage is breath-taking and electrifying. Not only do their performance complemented each other to perfection, their vocals intertwines seamlessly as though their voices waltz effortlessly in harmony; each taking turns to lead the other; conjuring a playfully mesmerizing, bickeringly hilarious and emotional performance.
It goes without saying the entire cast all deserve a spotlight in this review. From pitch-perfect harmonies to seemingly effortless depictions of being stuck in a time loop, from band marching to the unforgettable tap dance montage scene – each and every cast member completes one and other like the perfect pairing of wine and cheese; apple and cinnamon; gin and tonic (you get the drift). Special mentions must go to Afua Adjei as Debbie, Tim Wright as Ned Ryerson, Conor Neylon as Gus and Connor Sweeney as Ralph. Afua’s powerful vocals in the show is an absolute delight and literally (and figuratively) music to the ears – as soon as her voice hits your eardrums, your heart can’t help but dance along to the notes. Tim’s rendition of Night Will Come is heart-warming, gut-wrenching and melts your soul – the way he commanded audiences’ emotions through his vocals is both a talented marvel and mystery. Conor and Connor as Gus and Ralph, with their flawless comedic timing and character chemistry – their scenes can easily be said as one of the most memorable in the show. There are no words to describe their harmonised country twang – it is simply exemplary.
In addition to the masterful music and lyrics, combined with the cast performances, what sets Groundhog Day the musical apart from the rest is the inventive production and set designs, the great use of stage space, the clever use of light, sound, and props as well as the innovative illusions which all adds to the visual virtuoso that not only transports the audience from Melbourne to Punxsutawney Pennsylvania; but also enables us to witness a thrilling car chase, a freezing snow day and allows us to experience a true sense of being stuck in a time loop that must be seen to be believed.
Groundhog Day the musical is a delightful gem that will have you laughing, crying (or laughing and crying at the same time); makes you question everything but also find answers along the way. All the while melting your hearts and souls throughout.
There is only a very short amount of time left of its Australian run. It’s exclusive to Melbourne at Princess Theatre until April 20, 2024. If you haven’t seen it yet, do yourselves a favour and get onboard! And if you have already, do yourselves another favour, create your own Groundhog Day and go see it again!
For more information, head to https://groundhogday.com.au/
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