Review: KING KONG comes to Melbourne

It has to be said though, many of the musicals doing the rounds these days are anything but old-fashioned and the difference comes down to puppets. Yes, puppets.

Not content with showcasing the talents of triple threat (sing/dance/act) performers, the likes of Warhorse (currently in action in Sydney), The Lion King (hitting our shores again in December) and the brand new KING KONG, use puppets to bring their stories to life.

KING KONG made its world debut in Melbourne recently, some 80 years after the original movie premiered, taking the audience on a journey from the bustling streets of 1933 New York to the last uncharted place on earth, Skull Island.

For those unfamiliar with the classic love story, KING KONG, tells the tale of Carl Denham, an ambitious film director, Ann Darrow, the woman he believes will be the next big thing in Hollywood and first mate Jack Driscoll. Together, they embark on a dangerous voyage to Skull Island to capture the real headline act – a 20 foot gorilla named Kong, the eighth wonder of the world – who is transported back to NYC where he’s exploited as a Broadway exhibit and trouble (predictably) ensues.

Picture by Jeff Busby

When I first heard the timeless tale of King Kong was being turned into a musical, I was intrigued (read sceptical) about how they could possibly make it work, even if it was five years in the making. So much of what musical theatre represents is emotion. Could a puppet possibly deliver? Horses and lions are one thing but a giant ape caught in a love triangle, that’s a whole other story!

Picture by James Morgan

I’m pleased to report that Kong, in his one tonne, six-metre tall colossal glory, not only delivers, he is undoubtedly the star of the show. Kong is an amazing, imposing presence on the stage and you can hear him literally take the breath away of audience members when he debuts on stage.

Picture by James Morgan

One of the most technologically advanced puppets in the world, Kong is powered by a sophisticated animatronic system in addition to 10 people on stage operating direct manipulation. His face is impressively expressive, his movements dramatic and surprisingly, for the most part, it isn’t a stretch to believe in his character the same way you do with any human actor.

Picture by James Morgan

In the make or break stakes, the connection between Kong and Ann, played by Esther Hannaford, is critical to the show’s success and their relationship is touching.

Hannaford is the perfect casting choice as the beauty to the beast, playing the vulnerable yet strong reluctant hero. Her voice is pitch-perfect and she holds her own on the big stage with the big ape. From the full blown feistiness in leading the chorus in the raunchy ‘Special FX’ to calming the injured Kong with the mellow original composition ‘Full Moon Lullaby’, her versatility is impressive.

Picture by James Morgan

Although the musical might have benefited from a few more of those ‘human’ moments to build a an emotional connection from the audience, the dramatic numbers from the orchestra combined with a huge LCD screen and Kong himself have your senses so stimulated you almost don’t want scenes to end. The talent of more than 40 actors, singers, dancers and circus performers is on full display. You won’t be short of action, that’s for sure.

Picture by Jeff Busby

KING KONG is without a doubt ambitious and as you sit back in the old-school Regent Theatre watching the state-of-the-art production, you can’t help but feel like you’re watching the future of musical theatre.

Due to the large scale of the multi-million dollar production, KING KONG’s only Australian season will be in Melbourne, so if you’re looking for an excuse to visit the Victorian capital (as if the food and shopping weren’t enough) a chance to get up close to the eighth wonder of the world might just seal the deal. As the famous line goes, “You have to see it to believe it!”

Buy tickets here.