Fantastically Great Women Who Change the World is an electrifying pop musical adaptation of Kate Pankhurst's beloved book, brought to life by the visionary direction of Amy Hodge and Chris Bush. With music and lyrics by the talented Mirander Cooper and additional music by Jennifer Decilveo, this production is a vibrant celebration of female empowerment that reverberates with the message to smash the patriarchy.
The musical revolves around 11-year-old Jade (Georgia Grant-Anderson), who finds herself lost in a museum's Gallery of Greatness during a school trip. Feeling overlooked and insignificant, Jade's encounter with the fantastically great women of history becomes a transformative journey of self-discovery. Through spirited encounters with historical icons like Amelia Earhart, Sacagawea, Frida Kahlo, and Jane Austen, Jade learns about resilience, courage, and the power of one's voice, making this show not just educational but inspirational for audiences of all ages.
The all-female cast - Elena Breschi, Meg Hateley, Charlotte Jaconelli, Anelisa Lamola, and Aaliyah Monk - delivers stellar performances filled with boundless energy and vocal excellence. Each performer skilfully multi-roles, allowing their unique talents and personalities to shine through. The infectious enthusiasm of the performers is palpable, engaging the audience from the opening number to the final curtain call. Among the standout performances is Breschi's portrayal of Frida Kahlo, which is delightfully campy, joyous, and bursting with colour.
The musical numbers, ranging from the catchy ‘Mary, Mary and Marie' to the exuberant ‘A World of Colour', are delivered with verve, prompting the audience to tap their toes and clap along. The choreography by Dannielle 'Rhimes' Lecointe is dynamic, sharp, and perfectly in sync with the lively pop tunes, elevating the overall spectacle.
The visual elements of the production are equally striking. Joanna Scotcher's two-storey set design is both practical and imaginative, providing a versatile backdrop for the various historical vignettes. The costumes are a riot of colours, visually arresting with a contemporary twist. Zoe Spurr's lighting design is nothing short of fabulous, using neon lights and pop concert vibes to create a vibrant, immersive atmosphere for the drama to unfold.
Under the musical direction of Audra Cramer, the three-piece band performs flawlessly, never missing a beat and adding a dynamism to the show. Special mention goes to Nicola T. Chang, whose percussion solo injects additional spirit and life into the performance, further elevating the overall experience.
Fantastically Great Women Who Change the World is more than just a musical; it's a rousing call to action. In a time of political unrest and social upheaval, the show serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that individuals, especially women, can have on the world. The song ‘Deeds Not Words' captures the show's core message that each person has the responsibility and the power to effect change.
Fantastically Great Women Who Change the World plays at The Other Palace until 8 Sep. For more information and tickets, follow the link here.
Review: Caleb Lee Photo: Ellie Kurttz