Musicals are divisive: you either love them or you don’t. When I ask my partner if he’d like to accompany me to review Roxy: A New Hollywood Cabaret, he quickly makes up an excuse about how he has something on. My daughters are also “busy” so I take a girlfriend, who lived in New York for years, where she regularly frequented Broadway.

And from the moment we sit down in the theatre after our vaccine passports are scanned, we’re swept up and transported to the dazzling set reminiscent a 1930s Hollywood movie studio. [More] 

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Eagerly rounding the corner, we find ourselves transported from the fluorescent foyer of Te Auaha on a Wednesday evening and into the magical, glamorous world of old Hollywood – complete with a 9 piece band and dancers in elaborate costumes, stretching on stage. Having recently transitioned into the Orange Light framework, this is the first time many of us have been in a packed house for months, performers included. This excitement and eagerness shows in both the energetic, spirited performances that the cast of ROXY delivers and the reception from the vibrant audience.  

WITCH Music Theatre present, over the course of 2 hours (with intermission) a truly captivating, engaging, and downright delightful piece of musical theatre – one that manages to hit every note and then some, delivered with a professionalism and polish so bright it sparkles.   

We are introduced to an array of eccentric characters – all old-school Hollywood stereotypes, tropes and cliches – all delivered with believability, commitment and zest. We meet a bumbling and lovable usher, the committed camera crew, the overworked director and producer, an array of talented and sparkling dancers, the leading Hollywood hunks, the femme fatale, and the girls-next-door who’ve just moved to the big city to follow their dreams.

And of course, the show’s namesake and our delightful MC – Roxy, played by Nick Erasmuson, who manages to perfectly channel the rambunctious energy of Liza Minnelli, carrying us through the show with sincere humour and tenderness. With such a large cast, the show manages to ensure each character has their moment in the spotlight – ideal for a jam-packed cast full of immensely talented singers, dancers, and a few surprise performers!

Once the show starts and the band kicks into gear for our first two numbers – ‘In the Mood’ (sung by Emily Burns) and ‘Another Day of Sun’ (sung by Bailea Twomey Jared Pallesen, Aine Gallagher and Fynn Bodley-Davies) – we are truly along for the ride, already dazzled and drawn in by the toe-tapping, hip-swinging and downright impressive musical numbers that are delivered. 

Full ensemble numbers are a highlight with choreographers Greta Casey-Solly, Leigh Evans and Briar Franks creating vibrant, energetic, nuanced movement that Karli Holdren, Björn Aslund, Thomas Laybourn and Emily McDermott consistently deliver with passion and fervour. These ensemble scenes are entertaining, captivating and a true testament to the commitment, energy and talent of each member of the cast who embodies their characters perfectly.

Filled with classics ranging from ‘Big Spender’and ‘Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend’to ‘Science Fiction/Double Feature’and ‘Lady Marmalade’, ROXY delivers a musical smörgåsbord. The vocal talent amongst the cast is noteworthy, with Jason Chasland as Honey Bee showcasing a truly spine-tingling vocal range – whilst also being a committed comedy performer. One stand-out scene oozies with tongue-in-cheek campiness, aided by Patrick Jennings who delivers a hilarious and suggestive hotdog vendor. 

ROXY delivers idiosyncratic jokes that appeal to both cult and mainstream audiences with niche homages ranging from obscure Liza Minnelli jokes to Marilyn Monroe references. ROXY is delightfully charming, gloriously camp and palpably glamorous throughout, achieving an immersive theatrical experience wherein the audience is so captivated by the world created that they’re transported to the magic of Tinseltown itself.

The incredible performances from the talented cast of singers, dancers, and performers is equally matched by the impeccable costuming, lighting, and musical stylings of the big band themselves. The entire performance is a sumptuous technicolour treat, with the live element of the band adding a particularly delicious element.

ROXY is heartfelt, sensational and one hell of a night out that finds audiences laughing, singing, and grooving along. Directors Ben Emerson and Greta Casey-Solly, and Musical Director Hayden Taylor along with the entire cast and crew have delivered an absolutely stellar, shining, must-see cabaret that is nothing short of a world-class delight – worth every penny!  

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