Review-Beauty and the Beast-Chunky Onion
26-11-12
By: Harry Oram
I was already a fan of Grappa’s Cellar as a venue, but when I arrived on a Sunday afternoon to discover a buffet of free pizza to go with the show, I became an even bigger fan. It seemed I was not the only one. The kids also seemed to love it. The only thing I would suggest to those who want to put on a family show at Grappa's is to arrange for more family appropriate music instead of their usual club/pop music.
The show begins with the “Announcer” who informs us that the show will be interactive and requires audience participation. Immediately he picks several members of the audience to help him set the scene: a fairy seeks shelter from a storm in a prince’s castle, but he turns her away. As punishment for his cruelty she transforms him into a beast and says he will remain this way unless he can find someone to love him.
With only a 5 person cast, Chunky Onion performs their own adaptation of Beauty and the Beast. Beauty, or “Belle”, has a twin sister “Gerty” (an actor in drag) and they live with their aged Father. Trouble begins when the town’s rich nobleman “Claude” wishes to find a wife and thinks Belle should marry him; he is rich after all. Although Gerty loves the idea of marrying for money, Belle is not too happy. So they break into their first song: “Money, that’s not what you want”.
At times the show can get a little slow as the next part of the story has to be explained. However the interaction with the audience and the ton of jokes the production throw in keep it entertaining. Pop songs are successfully adapted to fit into the story, such as when the Beast signs Queen’s Somebody to Love.
Many of the jokes also targeted the parents, such as when Gerty asks Claude “How big did you say your credit card is?” to which Claude, because he is so rich, pulls out a massive credit card. The story and several of the jokes were ‘Hong Kong’ised as the cast made jokes about shopping in Mong Kok, and the Beast did a few dance moves in ‘Gangnam style’.
Chunky Onion put on a really professional show. The costumes and props are fantastic and all the cast is ‘mic’d’ to ensure they can be heard. Though there was not much of a set, it matters not since the show is created by the skill and performance of the cast. All 5 members of the cast are natural performers and can all sing and dance. Their ability to interact with the audience and even improvise around some of the audience’s directions and answers helped the show to be funny and entertaining.
One of the highlights for me was when Claude seeks his wife from amongst the audience, bringing 3 members on stage for an impromptu ‘wife audition’. Unfortunately for Claude none of the ladies wanted him. The songs are great and Belle in particular has a fantastic singing voice. I just wish she had a song of her own where she could really show off her range and skill as a singer.
Attending the show was a wonderful way to spend my Sunday afternoon and I had a lovely time.The kids also seemed to have a fantastic time and I thought it was a great idea that the cast offered to remain on stage for ten minutes after the show to give the kids a chance to have photos with them. It was nice to see a large turn out of kids for this show and I think it’s a wonderful way to introduce them to the theatre.
I hope that Chunky Onion are able to extend their run as I have several cousins and nieces who I know would love this show. The show is great quality and its length is perfect. I highly recommend it as a family show.
Chunky Onion's Beauty and the Beast was a one time performance at Grappa's Cellar. However, you can bring them into your school or private function for a performance of this show! Please click here for more information about this performance or go to Chunky Onion's website for more information about their TIE program.
Comments
Seth
My kids loved the show. Great to see affordable children's entertainment in town.
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