In Sydney, Squabbalogic is our little engine that could. The dedicated crew have lit a spark in the in the independent musical theatre scene around town, creating exquisitely-crafted productions of boutique musicals that challenge common perceptions of the genre being old or lacking innovation.
They have consistently produced some of the most effective and entertaining shows, from metatextual delight [title of show] through to the heartbreaking and joyous A New Brain; from the notorious and revitalised Carrie to the brassy and warm-hearted The Drowsy Chaperone.
Jay James-Moody in Squabbalogic’s The Drowsy Chaperone. Image by Michael Francis of Francis Fotography
Now they’re taking their act on the road – and on the seas.
In July, their production of Forbidden Broadway (a two-time sellout production and a critical success) is going to be the opening night event of the Noosa Long Weekend Festival. You’ll only have two different shows in which to catch this tongue-in-cheek loving send-up of Broadway’s greatest shows and stars, but it’s well worth the ticket – particularly considering the talent onstage: Christina Byrne, Blake Erickson, Linda Hale, Mark Simpson and Liz Webby.
And then in November, Forbidden Broadway sets sail aboard the Royal Caribbean International’s Radiance of the Seas! Bravo! Cruise of the Performing Arts is a seven day musical adventure from Sydney to New Caledonia.
Forbidden Broadway.
As well as Squabbalogic’s revue, the cruise will feature some mind-blowing names: Elaine Paige, Marina Prior, David Alan Grier, David Hobson, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, John Waters, and Squabbalogic alum and musical theatre rockstar, Michael Falzon.
But don’t worry, Sydney, we’ll get our Squab back. The company is developing a new three-show season that will even come with a subscription program to save you money and ensure you don’t miss out on a ticket to their next great shows.
For more information on Forbidden Broadway and its various travels, and for Squabbalogic’s future plans, visit squabbalogic.com.au.
Cassie is a theatre critic and arts writer in Sydney, and was the deputy editor of AussieTheatre. She has written for The Guardian, Time Out Sydney, Daily Review, and BroadwayWorld Australia. She is a voter for the Sydney Theatre Awards.
