We Will Rock You
A whole-hearted standing ovation for We Will Rock You! From the plot to the music to the laced social commentary, We Will Rock You makes you want to get up on to your feet, sing, dance, laugh, and cheer! Hats off to Director Saccha Dennis for weaving in the often-satirical humour delicately, allowing for a nuanced portrayal of what rock music means to the world, and how it can be a power for change – while, of course, inducing boughs of laughter from the audience with hilarious pop culture references.
We Will Rock You takes place in the future where rock music is lost and can only be found through the hands of a couple of ‘dreamers’. The show is sensational, playing a range of hits from across the eras that had the whole audience singing along and stomping their feet with the beat! With stunning vocals from Steffanie Davis, Jennifer Suratos, Tanner Zerr, Jessica Spenst, and Danny Malena, the show is undoubtedly a crowd pleaser.
The songs and music by Queen are absolute classics, timeless till this day. The tributes and nods paid to other pop-rock artists made the show that much more relatable. We Will Rock You will have you swaying and grooving right out of your seat. It’s a must-see!
Something Rotten
An ode to the musical form, Something Rotten is a splash of fun as audiences head back to the theatre since the pandemic hiatus. Its referential humour may not be for all audiences, especially those not particularly enamoured by Shakespeare, though the cast’s voices were unmatched and an absolute delight! The lead cast and ensemble including Kamyar Pazandeh, Jyla Robinson, Daniel Curalli, Vincente Sandoval, Katie-Rose Connors were engrossing and clearly comedic stars in their own right.
Something Rotten takes place during the Renaissance, where two brothers seek to outshine Shakespeare and his playwright fame. A seer, played by Jyla Robinson, helps their pursuits by telling them what the future might hold. The visions are often hilarious and reference a number of famous musicals and Shakespearian plays. Something Rotten is a musical about a musical as a tribute to the musical form itself.
If you are looking to switch-off with entertainment with no particular purpose or plot, this is the show for you! It is theatrically self-indulgent with plenty of slap-stick humour and penile jokes with a cast whose vocal pipes top all the musical charts. Even if the particular humour is not to your taste, Something Rotten presents one of the most deliciously talented music and vocalists that will leave you roaring with applause.
– Maira Hassan