Zanna, Don’t was a showcase of camp silliness. Written by Tim Acito, this production is relatively new to the stage and is yet to make it to Broadway. Set in a high school in Heartsville where everyone is homosexual and to be a heterosexual is just plain – euw! – a boy and a girl fall in love playing the leads in a daring school production that supports heterosexuals.
The Director, Katherine St Lawrence, openly admits that “Zanna Don’t isn’t necessarily making serious comments on homosexuality in western society”, and it isn’t. With wands, glitter, stupendously short skirts and a plot line that’s not particularly brave, I felt for the college students who braved a cheery face but looked uncomfortable at times. I was also bemused by the chorus’ expressions as they swung their hips for the umpteenth time and shimmied for their adoring crowd.
There were some notable highlights. I thought that the songs were performed with enthusiasm and clarity. Kate played by Phoebe Nunn sang beautifully as did Alister Knight in the title role. There were some shakier performances from others, but I found some true honesty in the delivery of songs in James McGann’s performance as Mike.
Some of the songs from the show should be made a classic, such as Ride ‘Em, which was simply hilarious due to Megan Neyland’s performance as Roberta. Neyland was the most entertaining of the show and proved a crowd favourite with her daring, angry and at times intense portrayal of a scorned butch lesbian.
This wasn’t a particularly innovative production, but the choreography stood out, courtesy of Basil Boyle. It’s a demanding show that at times had me wondering whether it was too much for St. Hilda’s to take on.
Besides a few technical glitches, it was a good opening night. A few brave kisses later and all ends well; both heterosexuals and homosexuals can live happily ever after, well almost.
Review by Leeor Adar
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Posted Wednesday 14 October, 2009. Updated Wednesday 11 November, 2009.
