Arjuna the Musical

You have to wonder why anyone would find Arjuna to be a suitable and interesting subject for a musical/opera/cabaret. But if Philip Glass can make an artistic and critical hit out of Tucan’s historic visit to The Melbourne Cup Carnival in 2006 then I imagine then almost anything can be turned into art or entertainment given enough talent.

And talent is what there is plenty of in this production. Bennetto’s great musical score and very clever lyrics make for a wonderful piece of theatrical entertainment that explores the life and times of this highly colourful and often paradoxical captain in such a way that the audience ends up absolutely engaged from beginning to end.

Some wonderful characters from the era make and appearance – Dabs, Slick and a very freaky Hollywood among others – but the real laughs are reserved for Grouch and for Bennetto’s own portrayal of Kel.The audience actually booed and hissed Slick at appropriate times were generally left to ponder, by the end of the show, just what kind of team we might have had by now had we not voted the way we did in 2006.

It is probably fair to say that this production really does rather cater for the ‘true believer’, the Arjuna supporter (or perhaps more appropriately the Slick hater) among the theatre going public, but a wonderful time will be had by all, no matter what colour your skin.The music is first rate and Mike McLeish in the central role of Arjuna is fabulous.
The songs are catchy, particularly Arjuna’s Leader of the Land and Hollywood’s Freaky (sung with more than a passing reference to Sweet Transvestite).

It’s a great show. Billed as Arjuna! The Opera, it could have put a few folks off but believe me there is little, if anything, of traditional opera about this production. See it if you can.