BWW Reviews: MIRACLE CITY, a musical tale of cheesy TV evangelism with a twist comes back to life at Hayes Theatre.

Thursday 23rd October 2014, Hayes Theatre, Potts Point NSW

Hayes Theatre's intimate space is the perfect venue for Nick Enright and Max Lambert's MIRACLE CITY. A simple set of a television studio with a sparkling sheer curtain spanning the stage, dressing tables and mirrors flanking the sides of the stage and the cast and crew preparing on stage whilst people are taking their seats helps to set the premise that the audience is now part of a studio audience.

The cast is introduced by way of a surprise celebration with the central family of Ricky Truswell (Mike McLeish) and Lora Lee Truswell (Blazey Best) with an appropriately cheesy love song from Ricky to his blonde haired "perfect" American wife, surrounded by their two "perfect" American children (Hillary Cole as Loretta Truswell and Cameron Holmes as Ricky Bob Truswell) and the cast and crew of their TV show.

Commencing the "live" broadcast of Truswell's "Ministry of Miracles", the "Citadel Singers" gospel choir, comprising of Bonnie-Mae (Esther Hannaford), Euella (Marika Aubrey) and Charlene (Josie Lane) help set the scene as a Central American evangelical TV show with their gospel introduction. The tambourine rattling Citadel Singers show varying levels of commitment and energy to the number which is explained later in the show as their characters are developed but at this first impression, Lane stands out as capturing the stereotypical gospel singer embracing the belief with full body and voice and sustaining that energy through the show.

As the family are more formally introduced as part of the broadcast, Roger Kirk's costuming is cleverly used to cement the desired image of the clean cut, wholesome, All American family with a Red White and Blue theme. A demure long white skirt, cardigan and strand of pearls for 16 year old Loretta, power suit for Truswell, high hair, shoulder pads and lots of sparkle for Lora Lee and Ricky Bob dressed as a miniature of his father minus the suit jacket.

Whilst Truswell seeks funding from his congregation for construction of "Miracle City", a religious theme park, it is clear from the side conversations with Stage manager Billy Trengrove (Jason Kos) and Truswell's mentor and idol, Reverend Millard Sizemore (Peter Kowitz), that everything is not as wonderful as the bright smiles would have the audience believe.

Hugh Hamilton's lighting separates the stage into 4 areas, the main broadcast stage and backstage, separated by the movable curtain, and the dressing tables at the sides of the stage, allowing the understanding that the broadcast is still continuing whilst less saccharine plots and the seven sins are unravelling behind the scenes.

As the Citadel's characters are revealed, Bonnie Mae's story, of which the audience gets glimpses into throughout the show, is highlighted as the most significant of the trio. Hannaford's solo ballad as part of this character development is a stand out of the show and is beautifully delivered and moving.

A duet performance from the Truswell children provides some light comedy in amongst the darker themes that are developing with Cole and Holmes having a delightful blend of physical expression and vocals though Max Lambert's 5 piece band could be bought down a touch to avoid drowning out Holmes' lines.

The one act, 90 minute, MIRACLE CITY is a humorous jab at television evangelists whilst exploring humanity's darker side and exposing the truths beneath the bright shiny orchestrated images. It provides an enjoyable evening of laughs, strong singing and some plot twists which ensure that the musical is still relevant and relatable to 2014 audiences as it was in 1996.

MIRACLE CITY

Hayes Theatre, 19 Greenknowe Street, Potts Point NSW

17 October 2014 - 16 November 2014

Photo: Kurt Sneddon

To post a comment, you must register and login.