Like improv comedy? Like history? Musical theatre? Tried to get tickets to the musical Hamilton overseas, but couldn’t afford that on top of your mortgage? Hamiltunes delivers all that and more.
Put six gifted improv comedians on stage, who also are veteran musical theatre performers. Still not satisfied? How about rap battles, impromptu flamenco choreography and a love duet in a language that almost sounds like Spanish?
Hamiltunes stretches the acting and musical chops of their performers, and showcases the glorious possibilities of improv that have made me fall in love all over again with the genre.
Taking suggestions from the audience as the historical personality we want to see performed into a musical biography, an inspired lady next to me offered ‘Tony Abbott’. What do we know about this man? What personality traits and life events symbolise the essence of the person, and will be the building blocks of our play? We offer what is commonly known: Eats onions, obsessed with smuggling budgies, was a priest, had an illegitimate son, and grew up in Nigeria. There’s no time to check facts — within minutes it is translated into song, with chorus and choreography and off we go.
The ease in which the troupe can burst into a song, turn it into a chorus, choreography, or a hip-hop diss is astounding. Two musicians on the wings offer the music, itself composed on the spot. Throw in seamless puns, comic quips and world-class comedic timing – the result is astonishing fun. Each night will feature a new persona; that is, nobody will ever witness ‘Tony Abbott the Musical’ again. I can only wonder what they could come up with for Donald Trump or Margaret.
This is at show to be seen at least once, and easily multiple times.
– Christian
Christian G. is an international man of mystery; lover of books, cats and the performing arts; moonlighting as a finance professional by day.
Hamiltunes runs 24-30 September 2017 at the Lithuanian Club, North Melbourne. Buy tickets now. The venue is accessible.
Read our guide to Melbourne Fringe Festival 2017.
