First Class Aussie Show: Review in the Melbourne Observer

by Cheryl Threadgold (Wednesday 22nd of April)

Call Girl the Musical, ‘transferring you to Sex, Lies and Love, please hold … ‘ is running until May 3 at Chapel off Chapel, 12 Chapel St., Prahran.

There is always something special about a home-grown musical written by a Melbournian, but what is extra special about this production is that the show’s mega-talented creator Tracey Harvey has not only co-written the music, lyrics and script with Doug MacLeod, but also beautifully portrays the life journey of the show’s singing and dancing protagonist, Jean Brown.

Tracey co-stars with Jeremy Kewley as Frank McGee, with Laura Burzacott (Courtney), Chris Buchanan (Anton), Raelene Isbester (Samantha) and Trevor Major (Geoffrey). The mixed ages of the versatile cast and characters and varied styles of musical numbers cleverly ensure appeal to a wide audience.

Under the expert direction of Bryce Ives, the show tells the story of Jean’s journey from do-gooder volunteer to deserted wife to finding employment in the shonky We Care Marketing telephone call-centre with a bunch of ‘phonies’.  The groovy song and dance numbers choreographed by Dave Harford and accompanied by Jack Howard’s orchestra are terrific and offer an entertaining balance to the perceptive inclusion of some sensitive social issues.

The show combines humour with heart and soul and is about ordinary, real people and situations we can readily identify with. There’s romance, a happy ending and an overall positive theatre experience for the audience.

Tracey Harvey and her team have done a wonderful job in presenting this first-class Aussie show. You only have until May 3 to see it during this Melbourne season. May there be many more.

Performances: Tuesday – Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 6pm; 2pm matinees on April 25 and May 2.

Tickets:  $34.50/$27.50 Concession and Group 4+.

Bookings: 8290 7000