REVIEW: Victors, Victims, and Villains

Victors, Victims, and Villains at Red Door Theatre

Director: Francesca Beckett

Musical Director: Katie Scott

Reviewed by Judene Edgar

Nelson Musical Theatre’s Red Door Theatre is a hidden gem, perfect for cabaret and revues, and was the ideal venue for their Broadway showcase, Victors, Victims, and Villains.

We were promised 'an evening with the best of Broadway’s heroic victors, horrible villains and the hapless victims caught in their crossfire', and they didn’t fail to deliver.

From the rousing opening number from Chicago, we were entertained with songs from a mix of old favourites and newer productions – My Fair Lady, Dear Evan Hansen, Six, Waitress, Joseph and more.

Suzanne Borlase brought the house down with her brilliant rendition of the comical ‘Worst Pies in London’ from Sweeny Todd, followed by the hilarious Daniel de Clercq who delivered an irreverent toe-tapping performance of ‘Herod’s Song’ from Jesus Christ Superstar.

Local builder, 54-year-old Ian Goode made his stage debut aptly singing ‘If I were a rich man’ from Fiddler on the Roof.  I’m not convinced Ian knows just how good he is, but he’s definitely one to watch and hopefully we’ll get to see a lot more of him.

From consummate professionals such as the stunning Pip Collins who delivered beautiful melodic tones and flawless harmonies alongside Vanessa Downing in ‘I dreamed a dream’ from Les Miserables, to the youngest performer, 15-year-old Holly Arnold, who was a powerhouse in every song she was in, the cast of 15 singers were clearly having a good time and so were the audience.

And while you didn’t get to see them onstage, the live four-piece band did an excellent job and definitely added to the evening.

‘Victors, Victims, and Villains’ is on at the Red Door Theatre, 18 – 19 and 23 – 25 March. Tickets are already selling fast so get yours today from nmt.org.nz