Gate 1 at Tuxedo Cat at Broadcast Bar, Thu 15 Mar.

 [THEATRE – VIC/NSW/TAS]

More and more shows at this year’s Fringe begin before the audience arrives. The cast of Elevate! The Musical are already in place as we enter – in their own private worlds ignoring the audience growing around them. When the bell rings to signal the lift is leaving they all rush together for what should be a short ride but alas it jerks to a halt and they are stuck.

What do you do if you’re stuck in a lift with complete strangers for several hours? Well if you’re the sassy Meg you taunt the prim and proper Claire. If you’re the jittery Louis you freak out and disturb everyone with your strange behaviour. If you’re Jason, you declare your undying love for someone you’ve admired from afar for quite a while.

This all takes place within the size of a largish elevator, and is performed with a collective energy that is infectious and totally absorbing. They wile away the hours with talk of sex, love, belonging, and slowly the characters learn to trust each other. They’re all strong performances but the Meg character deserves special mention for her great comic presence.

And then there’s the music. From the opening notes of Claire singing the opening song, and Jason’s perfectly melodic understated harmony, you know you’re in the company of fine singers. The songs are bright and catchy, and are all original compositions from the Dizzy Biz alliance. The musical score is driven along faultlessly by an accompanying pianist to the side of the stage. (If space permitted I imagine they might be better placed off stage.)

This is a great show. Full of life, good humour, great singing, witty dialogue, and strong characters that develop and grow on you – excellent entertainment all round.

Maybe they’ll stay friends when they get out of that lift?

4 stars

Michael Coghlan

Elevate! The Musical continues at Tuxedo Cat from 9.45pm until Sat 17 Mar.

Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.

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Gate 1 at Tuxedo Cat at Broadcast Bar, Thu 15 Mar.  [THEATRE - VIC/NSW/TAS] More and more shows at this year’s Fringe begin before the audience arrives. The cast of Elevate! The Musical are already in place as we enter – in their own private worlds ignoring the audience growing around them. When the bell rings to signal the lift is leaving they all rush together for what should be a short ride but alas it jerks to a halt and they are stuck. What do you do if you’re stuck in a lift with complete strangers for several hours? Well if you’re the sassy Meg you taunt the prim and proper Claire. If you’re the jittery Louis you freak out and disturb everyone with your strange behaviour. If you’re Jason, you declare your undying love for someone you’ve admired from afar for quite a while. This all takes place within the size of a largish elevator, and is performed with a collective energy that is infectious and totally absorbing. They wile away the hours with talk of sex, love, belonging, and slowly the characters learn to trust each other. They’re all strong performances but the Meg character deserves special mention for her great comic presence. And then there’s the music. From the opening notes of Claire singing the opening song, and Jason’s perfectly melodic understated harmony, you know you’re in the company of fine singers. The songs are bright and catchy, and are all original compositions from the Dizzy Biz alliance. The musical score is driven along faultlessly by an accompanying pianist to the side of the stage. (If space permitted I imagine they might be better placed off stage.) This is a great show. Full of life, good humour, great singing, witty dialogue, and strong characters that develop and grow on you - excellent entertainment all round. Maybe they’ll stay friends when they get out of that lift? 4 stars Michael Coghlan Elevate! The Musical continues at Tuxedo Cat from 9.45pm until Sat 17 Mar. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.

The Clothesline Rating...

Michael Coghlan

Great way to pass the time if you're stuck in a lift!

User Rating: 4.75 ( 1 votes)
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