Director: Glen Mathews
Musical Director: Sam Cleaver
Choreographer: Emelia Hawthorn
Producer: Wing Valley Productions
The Meteor, 10-14 September 2024
Last year, Wing Valley Productions took us on a memorable ride on the Trail to Oregon. This year, we were transported all the way back to the stone age where women reign supreme and woolly mammoths and sabre-toothed tigers are a blimin nuisance. Firebringer (music and lyrics by Meredith Stepien and Mark Swidereski based on the book by Nick Lang, Matt Lang and Brian Holden) is Wing Valley’s second work from the Starkid Productions repetoire. This comedy musical was first staged in Chicago in 2016.
Firebringer is not only about a tribe discovering fire but also learning how to navigate disagreements, love, religion, and inventions. Ever-reliable Alice Collins (Molag) provided narration and set the tone. Fiona Greaves (Jemilla) played her role with a maternal warmth. Beth Vickers (Zazzalil) made a triumphant return to the stage and was witty and engaging.
Much of the humour is derived from common phrases minus their punchlines as the story is too early in human existence for the punchline(s) to have been developed. There were humorous references to climate change and extinction. Fair warning - there’s a lot of toilet humour and numerous f-bombs too.
Across the stage, there was talent on talent on talent but it would be remiss of me to not shout-out three performers in particular. Caitlin Morris (Tiblyn) was able to show her spectacular vocal chops. Emma Pettit (Emberley) proved herself to be a well-rounded performer who was captivating to watch. The breakout star of the show was Tayla Marie Cassells (Ducker) who has just completed several busy months appearing in Chaplin in April, Kingdom of Night in July, and Hunchback in August. Tayla Marie hammed up her role, pushing the humour and physical comedy required to produce an unforgettable performance.
Emelia Hawthorn (nee Jennings, congratulations on the nuptials) again created dynamic choreography that met the skills of the cast. In particular, “Into the Night” was a triumph through its levels and ensemble work. Hawthorn fortunately had exceptionally well-trained Paige McOnie (Keeri) on hand to deftly dance her way through her role, showcasing the skills of both choreographer and McOnie.
It may have been tempting to create a Neolithic environment but instead the team went for a non-existent set that had the band on full display at the back. This was an unexpected choice but on reflection, a brave one. Musical Director Sam Cleaver lead a talented band, and Cleaver included some beautiful, adlibbed passages on keys. Even without a set, Director Glen Mathews used the space imaginatively, and employed some nifty tactics via the cast to transport props on and off unseen.
If The Trail to Oregon was your cup of tea, Firebringer will be too. Dust off your animal prints and join the mainly female cast and accomplished band for a playful look at the challenges of living in the stone age.
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