Review by Laura Money

What do you get when you take the rich, fruity tones of the delightful Le Gateau Chocolat and collide it with the madcap, high-strung glam comedy of drag icon Jonny Woo, then mix in all the showtunes of the West End and Broadway in a small tent in the middle of Perth? A Night At The Musicals of course! And what a night of musical-inspired antics ensue. This is a love story to all of the songs from the crazy world of musicals and how there is never an inappropriate moment to burst into song.

The combination of Chocolat and Woo is divine – they are the ultimate double act, bantering off each other with quick quips and whip-like timing, yet there is, at the heart, a deep affection running through. Not sure what A Night At The Musicals entails? Well, apart from being in the title, the darling duo pull no punches in proclaiming the show ‘puts the miserable in Les Miserables,’ yet I couldn’t disagree more. They claim that they will massacre every song you know and love!

Opening with the unmistakable depth and thrill of Le Gateau Chocolat singing Sarah Brightman’s part in The Phantom of the Opera, Chocolat’s voice rolls over the audience in wonderfully rich waves, it feels decadent to listen! Enter Jonny Woo, in an alarmingly funny costume – a take on the real phantom – whose camp tones are perfect for the predatory and, let’s be honest, creepy phantom figure. A bit of banter occurs and the two demonstrate how their different drag acts work well perfectly when combined – Woo is concerned about the cheapness of his outfit, Chocolat wardrobe-shames him in his couture gown. This combo are hilarious together and their banter is nothing but charming and laugh-out-loud funny.

Chocolat and Woo cover many wonderful duets (most with either changes to words or arrangements that show off their immensely unique sounds) and also showcase their individual acts. From Woo’s hilariously rubbery face during his famous Les Miserables sketch to audience participation at its finest in his rendition of Cabaret‘s ‘Mein Heir’ he brings the house down. Chocolat remains wonderful to watch, belting it out in ‘I Dreamed A Dream,’ though not in a bid to win an Oscar a la Anne Hathaway, to truly letting it go with a fairy-light filled rendition of the famous song from Frozen, complete with Woo firing glitter bombs at the audience in what he calls ‘the gayest show ever.’

Well, it might just be the greatest show ever! For anyone who loves musicals and has a wicked sense of humour, A Night At The Musicals is the perfect show for you. Be prepared to let loose and also, warm up those vocal cords because audience participation is not only a requirement, you’ll want to sing along to all your favourite tunes.

When: 31st January – 6th February 2017 | 9:30pm

Where: De Parel Speigeltent | Fringe Central | PERTH

Tickets: $29 – $35

Info: Duration 70 minutes | Suitable 15+

Link: https://fringeworld.com.au/whats_on/event/a_night_at_the_musicals/9bfa535b-2e79-4d20-80ef-2cbcd89d59e1/