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Call Girl the Musical
Theatre People, 23 October 2008
By Simon Parris
Meredith Willson may have written the score, lyrics and book
for The Music Man but Australian comedienne Tracy Harvey has
gone one better by also starring in a musical she has penned.
A huge team of generous volunteers and sponsors have gathered
to stage this preview season of that rare commodity – an
original Australian musical. With all the elements of an Off
Broadway musical – topical content and gags, small cast
and catchy songs - Call Girl has the ingredients for a fun night
in the theatre without the big price tag.
Harvey headlines as Jean, whose 24/7 commitment as a Designated
Volunteer has ruined her marriage and her bank balance. Desperate
for a paid job, she stumbles across We Care Marketing and her
new l ife as a telemarketer begins.
Unfortunately Jean’new workmates are the most dysfunctional
bunch since The Office. Super salesman Frank (Alan Fletcher)
appears to be sleazing onto blonde bimbo Courtney (Laura Burzacott).
Bitchy boss Samantha (Raelene Isbester) is having her wicked
way with weak willed worker Anton (Jeremy Hopkins).
Director Bryce Ives has whipped the cast into a frenzy, with
all players giving enthusiastic, committed performances. Harvey,
onstage for almost the entire show, is a bundle of energy and
verve. A serviceable singer, her strength is in the comic material,
which she presents with a cheeky but generally straight face.
Harvey’passion and dedication are evident throughout.
Fletcher is a classy addition to the cast. In fine voice,
he is also a good sport in terms of being part of the gang, doing
ensemble dancing, moving set pieces etc. Fletcher is an ideal
leading man and it is surprising that he is not seen more often
in musical theatre.
The supporting cast, in slightly more one-dimensional roles
than the leads, sing very strongly and have fun with David Harford’athletic,
boppy choreography. Trevor Major is a hoot as the various supporting
characters, particularly in the range of phone voices he creates.
Jemila MacEwan has created colourful, comic sets that frame
the action well and allow a swift pace. MacEwan also designed
the costumes and mention must be made of the yellow post-it note
outfit (for want of a better word) that adorned the toned Isbester
for one brief but tantalising scene.
Musical Director Jack Howard has assembled a talented group
of musicians in the pit. Howard also wrote the arrangements of
the score, and these extend to music played before the show and
at interval, which added greatly to the atmosphere.
The production team acknowledge that the show is currently
a work in progress. The script, with contributions from Doug
MacLeod, contains plenty of laughs and the songs are all enjoyable.
Call Girl the musical is clearly a labour of love. With audience
response and feedback, the production team will surely find plenty
of little tweaks and polishes that will enhance the solid premise
of the show. Why not be part of this work in progress by seeing
Call Girl and giving your support to a brand new Australian musical.
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