Independent Theatre has struck the right note with this new stage play from JackRabbit Theatre, which should be quite insightful for all up-and-coming musicians.
The story follows the vocalist of a fictional local band called Rough Cut Punt, the band’s sudden rise to stardom and the behind the scenes pressures and obstacles experienced once success has been achieved.
Writer and director Michael Abercromby said this play is not directly based on an actual band, but on his own experiences as a musician before he turned his focus to theatre.
“This play depicts the reality of the music industry. There’s no such thing as overnight success. Some bands succeed while others go broke. It’s been sensationalized for the story but has also been based on other musos who’ve been in successful bands. It’s also not true that bands are all friends and party together. It’s once contracts have been signed that many bands begin to breakdown. The songwriters also think they own the bands and try to take control.”
Also compounding the drama as showcased in this play are the ruthless studio/label bosses and the squabbles over money. The mythical road to success can more than often be described as the highway to hell.
This punchy, modern, crude and very entertaining punk band stage play is basically a dramedy, the drama being undercut by comedy and hilarious songs by exuberant characters. The outstanding cast of six includes Lincoln Vickery (Top Of The Lake) and Elle Harris (Home And Away).
“It’s never just about the music. You need passion, talent and perseverance to succeed in this cut throat industry and the band must be run like a business. It’s hard work, it’s about the brand, releasing the right songs at the right time and sometimes it’s just about pure luck.”
Jun 28 – Jul 15. The Depot Theatre, 142 Addison Rd Marrickville. $22-32. Tickets & Info: www.thedepottheatre.com
By Mark Morellini.
