The world is a little bit obsessed with Queen at the moment. The imminent release of the movie Bohemian Rhapsody has seen a resurgence of interest in the British super group and their flamboyant front man Freddie Mercury.
Perfect timing then for Blue Mountains Musical Society to present We Will Rock You, the musical written by Ben Elton based on the songs of Queen. It’s a big ask. The show has been performed around the world to record crowds and glowing reviews and has a place in the hearts of Queen fans everywhere.
Linda Aubrecht said the company wanted to produce something that is “loud, brash and fun … the kind of show where the audience is free to be heard, to laugh loud, to feel the urge to jump up in their seats and dance”. And also, it seems, where the cast is having one hell of a good time - and takes you with them.
The story - not that it matters much - is set in a future where the Earth is now the iPlanet and the Globalsoft Corporation owns the hearts, minds - and music - of its young inhabitants. Their only hope lies with a rebel group known as the Bohemians (get it?) who await the arrival of The Dreamer - the one who will find the “mighty axe” and free them from the tyranny of technology.
It rocks along at a cracking pace with a Queen hit song for every mood and plot development. Ben Elton’s wicked humour is evident in the wonderful script.
As always the Blue Mountains Musical Society’s ensemble work is excellent and the costumes, set and choreography are on point.
But it is the music - and the incredible voices of these talented people - that will blow you away. How can you not enjoy a show that features smash hits like Somebody To Love, Killer Queen, You’re My Best Friend, We Are The Champions and, of course, We Will Rock You.
And how could you not feel the goosebumps when the entire cast belts out the iconic and unforgettable Bohemian Rhapsody?
Lead players Micah Bawden and Sarah Namdar are outstanding as Galileo Figaro and Scaramouche, ably backed by Nathan Hodge as Brit, Phoebe Atkins as Oz, Matthew Herne as Killer Queen and Ben Fairbairn as Khashoggi. Peter Gollop is also excellent as Buddy, the “old timer” with the “vee-day-o tappie”.
Definitely worthy of a mention is the live - and extremely talented band - who give the show the rock and roll edge it demands.
Tickets are selling fast for this show - and that’s not surprising. Blue Mountains Musical Society are certainly the champions and they WILL rock you.
- For show details and tickets go to www.bmms.org.au.
